Scratch Mcdowell

The goal for the SCRATCH: McDowell project is to develop a rural methodology for engaging low income, at risk youth populations (k-8) in the local food system in their communities. This will be done by meeting the following 4 major objectives: 1) Youth will increase healthy food choices as measured by a gain in knowledge through appropriate nutrition education for grade level participants2) Youth will increase knowledge of entrepreneurship through the marketing and selling of locally grown produce as measured by youth participants tracking their own sales data and marketing research3) Youth will increase knowledge of technology and its appropriate use as measured by youth using technology with their production practices as well as at farmers markets4) Youth will manage 3 school garden sites as well as one full production site with staff and volunteer oversight as measured by the number of hours volunteers, staff, and youth participate in garden and production related activities