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2015 Spring | Agriculture and Food Systems, Education & Outreach

Fostering Sustainable Minds at Farmers Markets through Informal, Hands-on Environmental Education

Student(s):

Karin Otsuka

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Lindsay Nessel

Partner(s):

  • Carnation Farmers Market

Faculty advisor(s):

Eli Wheat, Program on the Environment, University of Washington

I prepared an activities guide for the Carnation Farmers Market children’s program. My colleague and I also devel- oped a survey for Washington State farmer’s market managers to determine that farmers markets are engag- ing venues for fostering environmental stewardship. I also completed an intensive literature review on how farmers markets can provide a nurturing space for youth to learn about where their food comes from, have a better under- standing of their local environment, and develop deeper community relationships. Informal, hands-on learning at farmers markets has the potential to foster life-long environmental stewardship by physically and emotionally connecting youth to their environment.