Students at Pine Bluff High School recently had the chance to harvest and cook produce from their school garden. After they finished preparing collard greens and sweet potato pies, they were able to partake in the fruits of their labor.
During the garden-to-table event, participating students were guided by Dr. Karleah Harris, associate professor for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Department of Human Sciences, and Cornelius Talley, a teacher at Pine Bluff High School.
“Thanks to this project, students now know how to plant, maintain and harvest a garden, as well as how to turn fresh home-grown produce into a delicious meal,” Dr. Harris said. “This innovative approach not only engaged them in educational activities and hands-on learning, but also deepened their understanding of preparing and cooking their own food, learning about nutrition and eating healthy. The experience fostered problem-solving, teamwork, decision-making and community-building skills among the students.”
Dr. Reginald Wilson, district STEM coordinator, said the UAPB Department of Human Sciences receives an “A+” on their partnership with Pine Bluff High School’s garden project.
“Dr. Harris has partnered with Pine Bluff High School on this project for the past three years,” he said. “She and her team of students have come to our campus and worked with our students in the dirt, trained them on how to plant vegetables and supported them as they were introduced to the art of gardening 101. Dr. Harris has become our go-to resource with our hands-on learning in the garden. This
partnership has been fantastic for the student learning process and also for melting that wall of the unknown about where food comes from.”
Morgan Wilson, a teacher at Pine Bluff High School, said cooperation with Dr. Harris and UAPB has been an enlightening experience for her and her class.
“My students gained access to a new body of knowledge,” she said. “We explored the subject of food deserts and then learned how to plant and cultivate food in a garden. This initiative laid the foundation for implementing locally-sourced, nutritious foods into our students’ daily diets school-wide. Additionally, it underscored the importance for students to be informed about social and political decisions that affect access to basic nutritious foods.”
Natasha Clark, a Pine Bluff High School student, found inspiration in the gardening and cooking project.
“The food was very good, and I want to cook like that at my house now,” she said. “I also enjoyed the chance to cook with my friends. They were very helpful and hard workers, and we enjoyed going to the garden and picking the crops.”
Semiya Hampton, a UAPB undergraduate student, said she was happy high school students had the chance to clean and cook the vegetables and make some delicious dishes.
“It was a fun experience – not only teaching, but also seeing those lovely smiles on the students’ faces as they enjoyed their meal,” she said.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion,
age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
About the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty. For over 150 years, UAPB has worked to create an environment that emphasizes learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students: a chance to advance. UAPB offers certificate and associate degree programs, more than 50 undergraduate and master’s degree programs, and a doctoral program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. Students are active in more than 100 organizations, including an internationally renowned Vesper Choir, Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony and an accomplished athletics program.
