CCE Connects Kids to - Who Grew My SOUP?

By Connie Gerow, 4-H Program Assistant

Although National Agriculture Week was celebrated in March, the Franklin County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) 4-H program in conjunction with the New York Agriculture in the Classroom (NYAITC) is pleased to announce that the number of children in area school that made a connection to farm life through literacy has surpassed previous years.

An annual event, the New York State Ag In the Classroom Coordinator, Katie Bigness contacted the CCE Local Literacy Coordinator, Mrs. Diane DuMont. From her well-developed list of local sponsors, several dollars were collected to provide this year signature book, Who Grew My SOUP? by Tom Darbyshire and C.F. Payne to be read in first thru third grades classrooms in Franklin County.

Fortified with a list of volunteer readers who went into 14 different schools including a Canadian neighboring school, a total of 778 students were able to hear and learn about how Phineas Quinn (book character) questions the vegetables soup his mom serves for lunch. Before long, Phineas is on a magical journey where he connects with Mr. Mattoo (book character). Flying from farm to farm, Phineas soon learns about the amazing vegetables by meeting the farmers who grew them. Following the reading of the book, volunteers conducted an activity with students and shared their experiences in agriculture. All activity materials were provided by the NYAITC. A total of 45 books were donated by 4-H Alumni and Clubs, FFA programs and several Agriculture businesses.

According to NYAITC, our Nation's is focused on healthy living and eating nutritious foods. Therefore, whether it is National Agriculture Week or not, this was a perfect time to help our students build the knowledge that nutrition starts on the farm.

CCE encourages families to ask their children about "Phineas Quinn" and the book, Who Grew My Soup? In addition, families can assist their children with the creation of a small raised (box) garden bed allowing the children to plant vegetables like carrots, beans, or potatoes. It's never too early or late to teach children. Children who learn to grow vegetables are like teaching a man to fish. Our children can learn to feed future generations for a lifetime.

Ms. Katie Bigness, Coordinator for NYAITC knows first-hand. Ms. Bigness grew up in the agriculture rich community of Fort Covington. Although not a farm girl, Katie's love for the farm and country was instilled with her involvement with the FFA chapter at Salmon River Central School. Franklin County CCE is proud to have a local connection with NYAITC.

Franklin County Cooperative Extension is thankful for all the sponsors who provided a monetary support to purchase books. In addition, CCE is grateful to all the volunteers who were available to read in the schools and share their experiences.

For more information, about how you can support or volunteer for March 2015 Ag Literacy week or learn about other Cornell Cooperative Extension programs, one may call 483-7403.