Agroecology Students Host Farm-to-Table Event

On Wednesday, October 10, 2019, students in Hocking College’s Agroecology department held a Farm-to-Table brunch at historic Robbins Crossing from 11AM-Noon.

A Farm-to-Table event is a unique dining experience that encourages guests to sample foods that have all been grown, processed and prepared locally.  

According to Agroecology Program Manager, Sasha Sigetic, this brunch was inspired by other Farm-to-Table events she has attended in the past. She added that this event was also an extension of the farm-to-table class she’s currently teaching.

Sigetic noted that she and her students created the menu for the brunch based on the ingredients everyone was growing in their own gardens.

Their combined efforts resulted in a menu consisting of omelets with seasonal vegetables, purple and orange sweet potato hash browns, roasted butternut squash, Native American traditional bean dish, fresh bread, homemade jelly, goat cheese apple tart, apple cider and locally roasted coffee.

Guests at the dinner included HC President Dr. Betty Young, Chief of Staff Jeff Daubenmire, Dr. Myriah Davis and Dr. Daniel Kelley.

benefits of Farm-to-Table events

The roots of the Farm-to-Table movement can to be traced back to the 1960’s. During this time period, the counter culture hippie movement began questioning the nutritional value of processed foods. As a result, they began advocating the benefits of organic locally grown, seasonal food products to the mainstream public. 

This movement was also a response to the environmental science book, “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson. First published in 1962, the book examines the negative effect pesticides used on food had on and the environment.

Additionally, Farm-to-Table events:

• Shine a much needed spotlight on local farmers and make consumers more aware of the products they produce.
• Encourage people to be more concerned about the quality of the food they’re consuming.
• Inspire restaurants to shop locally-as opposed to ordering food products from out-of-state suppliers that require their supplies to travel great distances.
• Motivate consumers to start shopping differently and consider local options like farmer’s markets.
• ... and help unite communities and encourage them to become more sustainable and less dependent on outside food resources.

Where can I study Agroecology?

If you’re interested in gardening and farming perhaps you should investigate Hocking College’s Agroecology program. This program combines the essential lessons from our agricultural ancestors with the latest scientific tools and research to create a holistic approach to soil health leading to nutrient dense plants and animals.  In only four semesters you could graduate with an Associate of Technical Study in Natural Resources in Agroecology.