(WKYT) – Children from across Central and Eastern Kentucky traded their desks for a farm Thursday.
More than 700 elementary students from schools in Jessamine, Wolfe, Madison and Garrard Counties spent the day at Eastern Kentucky University’s Meadowbrook Farm, learning about the agriculture industry.
The farm spans 1,100 acres with sheep, cows and crops.
“We all should have an investment in agriculture, right? We all like to eat,” said Dr. Andrea Sexten, the chair of the EKU Agriculture Department.
Students had a chance Thursday to learn about animals and ask questions about where their food comes from.
‘These kids, you know a lot of times they think their food just comes from the grocery store. They don’t know that it starts right here,” said EKU student John Sibert.
Kentuckians facing food insecurity
According to Feeding America, one in six Kentuckians faces food insecurity.
That’s why EKU says events teaching the next generation about farming are needed.
Agriculture Department chair, Dr. Andrea Sexten, says the problem is happening in areas you might not expect.
“A lot of times in larger city areas, families don’t have access to fresh produce, for example,” said Sexten.
Teaching the next generation
Farm-raised students also shared what they know to the students.
“You come here and you really see how well they’re treated and you learn a lot about by-products and what else animals are used for,” said Abby Otto, a student at EKU.