A partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover, Wis., offers benefits for students and employees at the university, from free general admission at the center to shared academic programs and experiential learning opportunities.
UW-Stevens Point Foundation’s sponsorship of Food + Farm, a nonprofit educational facility that connects people to local food systems, sustainability and innovation, aligns with the university’s programs in natural resources, environmental science, biology, agriculture, nutrition, education, business, hospitality, museum studies and nonprofit management. The partnership offers opportunities for course integration, internships and practicum placements while offering benefits that support recruitment, retention and faculty innovation.
UW-Stevens Point and Food + Farm will celebrate their new partnership during the U-Pick Harvest, scheduled for 5–7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Food + Farm Exploration Center, 3400 Innovation Drive, Plover. Attendees will be able to harvest yellow potatoes from The Little Potato Co. as well as a new red-skin, yellow-flesh potato variety developed through a University of Wisconsin breeding program. Members of the Pointer football team will volunteer at the event. Because the event is dependent on crop maturity and weather conditions, the harvest date may change. Follow Food + Farm Exploration Center’s Facebook page for event updates.
As part of the yearlong partnership, students and employees of UWSP will receive free general admission, a $100 discount for any membership options, academic partnerships including course-based learning and faculty-led field trips, and program coordination, onboarding and evaluation to ensure meaningful educational outcomes.
“This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for UW-Stevens Point students and faculty to experience firsthand why Wisconsin is one of the nation’s agricultural leaders while connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences,” said Alexandria Behrend, executive director of Food + Farm Exploration Center. “By helping students better understand the innovation, diversity and economic impact of Wisconsin agriculture, we’re also introducing them to the many rewarding career opportunities the industry offers. Together, we’re helping build the next generation of talent that will support Wisconsin agriculture for years to come.”
“As a local partner, Food + Farm offers our students exposure to regional agriculture and its resources, sustainable practices, career exploration, professional networking and a welcoming space for interdisciplinary study,” said UWSP Chancellor Robert Brinkmann. “Our faculty will be able to integrate classroom and fieldwork and collaborate for guest lectures and public programs, connecting with members of our community.”
Learn more about Food + Farm at https://explorefoodandfarm.org.