32
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY I ALCORN.EDU Fertile Ground SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, RESEARCH, EXTENSION AND APPLIED SCIENCES EXTENSION EXTRAVAGANZA FALL 2011 NEW! Fitness First Studio Serving The Elderly Population Growing In Knowledge

Fertile Ground

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

ASU School of AREAS Magazine

Citation preview

Page 1: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY I ALCORN.EDU

FertileGroundSCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, RESEARCH, EXTENSION AND APPLIED SCIENCES

EXTENSION EXTRAVAGANZA FALL 2011

NEW! FitnessFirst Studio

ServingThe ElderlyPopulation

Growing InKnowledge

creo
Page 2: Fertile Ground

It is my pleasure to introduce the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences (AREAS) magazine, Fertile Ground. As you read through the pages of this historic issue, we hope you feel the pride that we all share for the achievements of our faculty and staff, and the accomplishments of the Alcorn family.

From our international initiatives led by the Office of Global Programs within the School of AREAS, to our research and Extension outreach, you will be surprised at the scope and depth of our diverse programs. As the Dean of the School of AREAS, I know these initia-tives support the University’s strategic plan – to tell the Alcorn story effectively and engage as dynamically as possible with the University community.

Fertile Ground serves many constituencies, but it has a singular purpose to engage us all in a conversation about the ongoing evolution of Alcorn. It serves as a fo-rum to celebrate the work that we do, and as a medium for reflection on where we have been, and where we are going, together.

In the face of challenging times it is gratifying to serve on the Alcorn team and to see how the dedication of our faculty, staff, and the generosity of our alumni come together to create opportunities for our students. Thank you all for your remarkable efforts. We hope you enjoy the magazine.

We welcome your comments and letters to the editor.

Sincerely,

Barry L. Bequette, Ph.D., DeanDirector of Land-Grant ProgramsSchool of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences Phone: 601.877.6137Fax: 601.877.6219E-mail: [email protected]

GREETINGSALCORNITES FRIENDS

creo
Page 3: Fertile Ground

CREDITS

PRESIDENTM. Christopher Brown II, Ph.D.

DEANBarry Bequette, Ph.D.

EXTENSION ADMINISTRATOR

Dalton H. McAfee, Ph.D.

EDITORFreda M. Lawrence, Ed.D.

EDITORIALBOARD

LaShunda L. Anderson, Ph.D., Chair

Wanda Newell, Ph.D.Mamie Griffin

Wesley Whittaker, Ph.D.Nicole Bell

DESIGNStacey S. Springfield

PHOTOGRAPHYHubert Worley

COPY EDITORSissy Yerger

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Clara Ross Stamps, M.B.A.Deidre Knox

Lyvetta Mickell, M.S.Marriel Hardy

Willie Sanders, M.S.

On the cover: School of AREAS New Fitness First Studio

Fertile Ground is published by the School of AREAS under the leadership of University Relations.

Mail contributions, letters to the editor and address changes to

[email protected] or Alcorn State University, School of AREAS,

1000 ASU Drive #690, Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500.

601.877.6137 alcorn.edu/areas

4 A Study: Serving the Elderly Population

In general, the southern culture is more socially conservative, and Southerners are more resistant to changing their eating habits. As a result of the project, 200 participants received fresh fruits and vegetables and participated in the educational demonstration programs.

8 The Fitness First Program Kicks Off

Exercise. Eat well. Live well. The Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) launched its new fitness program on October 29, 2010, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and hundreds of invited guests.

12 Growing In KnowledgePorche Scott

“Why things grow in one place and fail in others and how I can contribute, change or ma-nipulate natural production as to improve performance or yield,” explains Scott.

16 2010 Farmer Of The Year Shows His Appreciation

Roy Lee Brown insists that if you produce a good crop and put your heart and soul into your job, people will buy from you.

18 Success Is Not An Option “ASU Graduate Spencer Willis Jr. Blazes A Trail To The Top”

“It was no easy task keeping my academics at a high level,” says Willis. “I knew where I saw myself going and had to achieve. Success is not an option for me.”

20 2010 Woman In Business Earcine Evans

Earcine’s first steps into organic gardening began with her close ties to her grandmother, an herbalist and a midwife in their small town outside of Pickens.

FertileGroundSCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, RESEARCH, EXTENSION AND APPLIED SCIENCES

creo
Page 4: Fertile Ground

10 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Yesterday, after leaving a three-hour business meet-ing, we ran into the grocery store. It had been a long day and we all just wanted to get home. We had for-gotten to take off our brightly colored name tags when we were suddenly approached by an elderly man who called Sharron Paige, Registered Dietitian, by name. “Sharron” – he says, as if he had known her for years. – “Could you help me out? I need to know how many packets of Equal® is equivalent to one cup of sugar. I’m making a favorite recipe my wife used to make for me, but I have diabetes now and I’m trying to do right.” For what seemed like a minute in time, Sharron stood there speechless – amazed by his request. Sharron suggested that he read the label on the Equal® box to determine what he needed. When he and Sharron arrived at his answer, he simply said, “Thank you,” and walked away. We met again at the checkout counter. This time Sharron asked him a question, “I’m curious as to how you selected me to answer your question.” He simply replied, “I saw Human Sciences, Registered Dietitian on your badge and Human Sciences, Child Develop-ment on her badge and I knew that meant you knew how to cook, sew and baby sit! Isn’t that what people do in Human Sciences?” “The field of Human Sciences has been around for many years, and has undergone several name changes (e.g. Home Economics, Family and Consumer Sci-ences): nevertheless, many people still believe and think that we only know how to cook, sew, and baby

sit,” says Sharron Paige. Few people know that the field of Human Sciences is responsible for the expanded definition of the term environment to include human ecology as the vast and intricate life support system it is. “The field of Human Sciences is the genesis of America’s public health, consumer, nutrition, and the study of human development,” says Paige. “Our field has always been concerned with the well-being of hu-man beings and how the environment supports their development.” Our founder, Ellen Swallow, was the first woman scientist concerned about pure water, pure air, pure food, good soil, product labeling for consumers, nu-trition, industrial safety, sanitation, school lunch programs, public health and women’s rights (Clarke, 1973). A century later, the field of Human Sciences is forging ahead to address what ails the human race. “We are on the cutting edge of research in health management, childhood obesity, parenting, child de-velopment, financial security and investment, textile preservation, design and renovation and other qual-ity of life issues,” says Dr. Mattie Rasco, instructor. “Many students entering college miss an opportunity of a lifetime to make real and meaningful difference in the lives of others by ignoring the field of Human Sci-ences simply because they have a single vision about what Human Sciences is and what a person can do with this degree,” says Dr. Rasco.

COOK, SEW AND BABY SITSharron Paige, M.P.H., R.D., L.D. Mattie Rasco, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.

Shirley Pope, Ph.D.Carrie Ford-Campbell, Ph.D.

creo
Page 5: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 11

Alcorn State University’s Department of Human Sciences offers a baccalaureate degree in Child De-velopment and Nutrition and Dietetics. “Individu-als who graduate with a Child Development degree are able to work in family and child serving agencies, hospitals, public schools, childcare centers, children’s museums, parent programs or operate their own busi-nesses,” says Dr. Shirley Pope, associate professor. Nutrition and Dietetic graduates may enter medi-cal school or work in community-based social service and health agencies, restaurants, homeland security, food science laboratories, fitness centers, community health agencies, and Extension Programs. “The interdisciplinary focus of the Human Sci-ences field permits endless opportunities for its gradu-ates,” says Dr. Pope. According to Dr. Pope, the Department of Human Sciences is an active and thriving academic program. The Child Development unit is engaged in studying how non-traditional students perform in a cohort learning environment; we are pursuing national ac-creditation of the Child Development Laboratory Center and initiating an early childhood curriculum that promotes critical thinking in young children.

“Yes, we cook. Yes, we sew. Yes, we care for young children.” “When we cook, however, we approach cooking from a scientific perspective. We not only want our dish to taste good, but we want the meal to satisfy the body’s nutritional requirements. We don’t just sew. We create, design and manipulate the envi-ronment to be beautiful, lovely and refreshing. We never baby sit. We nurture children so they can be-come the contributing adults our society craves,” says Dr. Rasco. The world is a better place because we have academic programs in Human Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences and Home Economics, she con-cluded.

The Nutrition and Dietetics unit is conducting research on childhood

obesity and helping business owners improve their products.

Page 6: Fertile Ground
Page 7: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 13

Porche Scott a native of Morton, Mississippi, grew up on a farm and has always been a quick learner. “My parents taught me to be responsible at a very early age, in fact, I don’t remember a time without having to complete chores,” says a serious Porche Scott. “I made sure my chores were done before I headed out on the 4-wheeler. I am truly blessed that my parents taught me how to be respectful of God’s natural resources – plants, animals, soil, air and water.”

Scott didn’t mind the hard work, and she says, “I really en-joyed raising calves and show pigs. That’s how I first learned about biology. Once I had to nurse a calf with a bottle after the cow died while giving birth. It was a job I took seriously.”

Scott admits that she was always curious about why and how things grew, which was one of the reasons she wanted to attend Hinds Agriculture High School and convinced her parents to let her. “She had a plan and knew what she wanted to do,” explains a proud dad, Walter Jackson ´82, who works in the field of agriculture. “She loves the soil and all things science, her mother and I knew that we had to let her explore her passion. And the fact that her plans included attending my school, Alcorn State University – well let’s just say, she had my vote.”

“Why things grow in one place and fail in others and how I can contribute, change or manipulate natural production as to improve performance or yield,” explains Scott, “is a chal-lenge and simply fascinating. I can make a real difference and impact the world in which we live. Knowing that there are numerous job opportunities available in agriculture is a plus as well – both of my parents work in the field.”

Scott is a full-time junior agriculture student at Alcorn and interns with the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service as a soil conserva-

tionist trainee. Her job responsibilities include land survey-ing to develop accurate descriptions so that farmers can be offered alternatives to improve drainage and reduce erosion, working with GIS (Geospatial Imagery) programs to produce survey maps to pinpoint resource concerns in areas that need improvement, as well as working with landowners to develop farm plans that address resource concerns and offer alterna-tives (financial and technical assistance), to name a few.

Scott is enjoying her academic career and loves the inter-action she has with other students. She is actively involved with the ASU Wesley Foundation where she ministers to students. “My mom (Yolanda Jackson) says that you have to meet a person’s physical needs before you address their spiri-tual needs. And that’s exactly what agriculture helps me do – nurture the body so that the soul can be nurtured as well.”

“For me agriculture is all about helping others – I want people to be healthy and happy, inside and out,” Scott con-tinues. “Agriculture research can fight world hunger, cure diseases and give kids a healthier start. At Alcorn, my pro-fessors are very knowledgeable and I appreciate the oppor-tunity to grow in knowledge and confidence. It’s my respon-sibility to listen and learn. What’s more, I must share that knowledge by helping others.”

IN KNOWLEDGEAgriculture student Porche Scott knows the true value of hard work, and is

determined to cultivate a better world by learning and growing healthy foods.

“At Alcorn, my professors are very knowledgeable and I appreciate the

opportunity to grow in knowledge and confidence. It’s my responsibility to grow

and learn. What’s more, I must share that knowledge by helping others.”

Page 8: Fertile Ground

14 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Eugenia MekkaM.S. in Agricultural Economics CandidateVoronezh, Russia

Page 9: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 15

PUTTING KNOWLEDGEGAINED INTO ACTIONS

In its existence as the first historically black land-grant university in the United States, Alcorn State Univer-sity has served the farm community locally, nationally, and globally. We have partnered with many research-ers from Federal and State agencies, as well as numer-ous universities, in developing our research programs.

Research is essential to everyone as a way of identifying and solving simple and complex problems. Increasing Alcorn’s contribution to agricultural productivity will be met in large part through research that represents a continuum, from research on mitochondria biogene-sis to increase biomass for fuel production; bio-sensors development; bio-technology; animal and plant sys-tems; integrated pest management; natural resources and the environment; human nutrition and childhood obesity; and community and economic development.

Currently, we are partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture to address the prevalence of obesity amongst adolescent and young children in

Mississippi. We are focusing on key issues that ad-dress increasing physical activity, nutrition education programs, and risk factors associated with childhood obesity. This partnership also extends to our land-grant colleagues in Arkansas and Louisiana. We are putting knowledge gained into actions that I believe will result in healthier, happier, and more productive individuals.

I trust that you will enjoy reading this magazine and that future editions will provide you an insight of our efforts to serve the global community.

Sincerely,

Alton B. Johnson, Ph.D.Interim Assistant Dean of Research601.877.6528 office601.877.6219 faxEmail: [email protected]

Page 10: Fertile Ground

“I was so excited, and I just thanked God. Missis-sippi Association of Cooperatives and Alcorn State University deal with so many farmers, and out of all the farmers they chose me,” said Roy Lee Brown, when asked of his first thoughts after being selected to receive the 2010 Alcorn State University Small Farm-ers Conference Farmer of the Year monetary award.

He added, “I was just ecstatic,” when Ben Burkett, state coordinator for the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives (MAC), gave him a call.

Brown was born and raised on a farm in Holmes County, Mississippi. If you let him tell it, farming is all he knows. He said his dad instilled in him at a young age that whatever you decide to do, just do it right. He put those spoken words from his father into his practice as a key to managing his farm.

He insists that if you produce a good crop and put your heart and soul into your job, people will buy from you. Cotton, soybeans, and a variety of vegeta-bles make up his major enterprise.

Brown is the largest African American farmer in the Holmes County area. He has been able to keep his family farm in the family for the past three genera-tions. One thing that he tries to express to young peo-ple is the value of land ownership.

“It’s like money in the bank, over time of just sitting there, it increases in value,” he says.

We salute Mr. Roy Lee Brown for being an awesome farmer and entrepreneur.

SHOWS HIS APPRECIATION

“I didn’t waste money on material things like cars, trucks and other unnecessary

things, I just invested my money back into the farm,” he says, when asked how he

increased his farming business from 40 acres and a mule to 600 acres.

Savannah Jackson-HalesCooperative Business Development Specialist

Mississippi Association of Cooperatives (MAC) FSC/LAF

16 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

creo
Page 11: Fertile Ground

LaShunda L. Anderson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture

HARDEARNED LAND:THE KIMBLE FAMILY FARM

When we say America was built from our ancestors’ blood, sweat and tears, this statement cannot be truer for the Kim-ble Family of Colfax, Louisiana. Colfax is a small city built by slaves and their descendants. Located in Central Loui-siana’s Grant Parish, Colfax became a city in 1869. Before becoming a city, Colfax was a 14,000-acre plantation called Calhoun’s landing. Original land deeds prove that the 74-acre Kimble Family farm was a part of the historic 14,000-acre plantation. Grandfather Kimble is believed to have bought the farm in the 1930s from the Calhoun Family.

Granddaughter Diana Kimble left her life in Dallas, Texas, as a retired 30-year Texas Instruments employee and re-turned home to Colfax. Diana came home with a new life mission – one of environmentally conserving her grand-father’s land while serving the community of Colfax. She has established Kimble Organics on a small section of the farm. The organic garden is bordered by a beautiful bayou with large cypress trees that seem to hide it from the rest of the world. The garden is filled with many different kinds of healthy herb and vegetable treats, such as hibiscus, strawberries, blueberries, and tomatoes. Diana is looking forward to preparing a hibiscus tea recipe that she received during a visit to the Southern University Agricultural Re-search and Extension Center (SUAREC).

Diana composts and recycles materials on-site for use in the organic garden. She is currently composting branch and trunk shredding from trees just cleared off the land. Diana has a unique method of recycling plastic pail tops. They are placed at the base of plants as a way to ward off plant diseases and harmful ground insects. She says organ-ic gardening will provide her a way to grow safe and afford-able food for the Colfax Community and for Central LA.

The desire for future family and community generations to appreciate agriculture, environment, and history runs deep throughout the Kimble Family. The family farm is the fu-ture site of an African-American history, agriculture, and cultural center. A building the family bought from a local Catholic church for $1.00 will be converted into the cen-ter. Additionally, the center will educate the community on African-American history’s role in establishing worldwide agricultural practices. The center’s classroom will be named for a relative who had a calling to become a nun, but was unable to fulfill her calling because of health issues.

The Kimbles credit the Cash for Conservation workshop, presented through a partnership of Alcorn State University, Southern University, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the East Arkansas Enterprise Community, Inc and the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Con-servation Service, (USDA-NRCS), for sparking their inter-est in how to make alternative farm income through native grass and wildlife conservation and production. The Kim-bles were the first participants to signup for the workshop. Since attending the workshop, the Kimbles are vigilantly working to get their farm involved in available USDA-NRCS Conservation Reserve Programs. With four gen-erations involved in the hard work of revitalizing of their farm, it will be viewed as a priceless family treasure forever.

Her life mission was environmentally conserving her grandfather’s land while

serving the community.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 17

Page 12: Fertile Ground

18 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

“Simply remarkable.” That is the phrase to describe one of Alcorn State University’s best and bright-est alumni. Spencer Willis Jr. ’08 personifies what it means to be a successful young Alcornite.

A native of Raymond, Mississippi, Willis is no strang-er to hard work and determination. While attending ASU, Willis was not only a scholar, but participated in a myriad of activities and organizations, including the world-famous Sounds of Dyn-O-mite Marching Band.

“I always had an interest in health and nutrition,” says Willis. “It was only fitting that I majored in nutrition when I pursued my undergraduate degree at Alcorn.”

While at ASU, Willis maintained a 3.6 grade point av-erage and was an active leader in the Alcorn student body. He was consistently a Dean’s list and Presidential list scholar.

“It was no easy task keeping my academics at a high level,” says Willis. “I knew where I saw myself going and had to achieve. Success is not an option for me.”

Willis attained his undergraduate degree in May of 2008. After doing so, he was still not satisfied and wanted more out of his academic career. In the summer of 2008, Willis enrolled in the Masters of Public Health program at the University of Alabama. After only a year and a half of hard work and extreme sacrifice, Willis was able to successfully defend his thesis and attain his master’s degree in August of 2009 with a 3.5 GPA.

“I knew in today’s job market, it is key to go as far as you can to be competitive,” Willis explains. “That’s why after finishing my master’s, I had to go further. Coming from a family where education is important had a lot to do with my decision.”

This led Willis to where he is today. Currently, Wil-lis is pursuing his Ph.D. at Jackson State University. He has been in the program for a semester now and is enjoying the enriching and challenging experience.

In addition, Willis is currently the nutritionist for the WIC programs Women and Children initiative in Canton, Mississippi. Willis works with young moth-ers and their children to make health conscious deci-sions in their everyday lives.

“I find it so fulfilling to help our community,” says Willis. “I feel like if I can help just one person to make a healthy decision, I have made a huge difference in our world.”

Willis is relentless in his pursuit of excellence and suc-cess. He has truly blazed a trail that we should all be proud of. He plans to continue his hard work and see where it will take him.

We salute a true Alcornite and we wish Spencer Willis all the best in what he does. Of course we know he will do well…. He is an Alcorn State University graduate.

SUCCESSIS NOT AN OPTION

“ASU Graduate Spencer Willis Jr. Blazes A Trail To The Top”

Marriel C. Hardy, Graduate Student

creo
Page 13: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 19

Page 14: Fertile Ground

2 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

Freda M. Lawrence, Ed.D.

Through this medium, the Alcorn State Univer-sity’s School of Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Applied Sciences (AREAS) has moved into a new realm of communication. We pledge to share with you, through each article that appears in Fertile Ground, the mission that holds true to why Alcorn was founded in 1871 as a land-grant institution.

Fertile Ground serves as the voice of the work that we do on a daily basis to enhance the lives of oth-ers, one generation at a time. Our focus in this issue is the nutrition and obesity epidemic that plagues our counties, our state, and our world. Articles cover nutrition and obesity training/re-search, outreach to assist local growers market their produce, development of rural community gardens, as well as the grand opening of a well-ness center for staff.

Welcome to Fertile Ground ! We look forward to keeping you informed!

HOW THE MAGAZINEGOT IT’S NAME

Agriculture starts with the earth…. the ground and all its elements and minerals. When the earth has been blessed, we call it fertile ground. Alcorn State University’s rich leg-acy speaks to the many souls who labored and gave their love and expertise to the small farmers and ranchers throughout the state of Mississippi.

This gift of sharing and determina-tion has paved the way for genera-tions to be successful in their trade. To all who have helped in this en-deavor, I anonymously submit the name, Fertile Ground as a true tes-tament for the School of AREAS’ first school-wide magazine.__________________________

The Alcorn State University School of Agriculture, Research, Exten-sion and Applied Sciences (AR-EAS) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

Page 15: Fertile Ground

20 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Earcine Evans was honored as the 2010 Woman in Business at the annual Small Farmers Conference hosted by Alcorn State University at the Regency Hotel in Jackson, Mis-sissippi. This annual event honors a woman in business who started an enterprise within her home with a monetary award.

Earcine and her husband Mark, live in Pickens, Mississippi and own a small business called Francis Flowers and Herb Farm, LLC.

Earcine’s first steps into organic gar-dening began with her close ties to her grandmother, an herbalist and a midwife in their small town outside of Pickens. She would watch her grandmother blend and make herb-al teas, pastes and soaps. Gathering her grandmother’s recipes, Evans mapped out her plan and accom-plished her dream.

In 2004, Evans relocated to her fam-ily land in Pickens. On this peaceful sanctuary, she was able to grow the herbs and flowers for her product line she calls Cine’. Her products are made up of both wild crafted and cultivated herbs and flowers.

“We follow biodynamic-organic farming practices and use no pesti-cides, herbicides or other chemicals on our plants,” she says.

Evans is a lifelong practitioner of agricultural growing of herbs, vege-tables and flowers. As an astute busi-ness woman, she has owned and op-erated two hair salons for more than ten years. Her wisdom and expertise were brought together as she spent years researching ingredients used in cosmetology for hair products, and the contents of lotions and soaps.

Evans continues to do research fo-cused on herbs and other natural ingredients that can promote health without the use of toxic chemicals and has partnered with scientists in this field.

In 2001, Evans developed her first products and began marketing them at Morningside Farmer’s Market and other various trade shows and events throughout the state of Geor-gia. These products are marketed at several locations, including Rain-bow Whole Foods, Healthy Body Health Food stores and The Spa at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson.

Evans has created a one-of-a-kind, handmade, scientifically validated, line of healthy products for the body and hair, as well as creams, soaps, and oils. The unique gar-dening and farming techniques she uses to grow her perfect flow-ers are also used to grow the ingre-dients of her products.

She continues to blossom in the ar-eas of agricultural growing, nutri-tion, herbal and natural research, chemical research and product creation. As a result, Evans is con-stantly requested for public pre-sentations. Serving as a lecturer on these subjects, she speaks of how her products impact health and nutrition, and has done so for over five years locally, regionally, and nationally. Noted articles have been written about her work and have been featured in both Cos-metology and Agricultural/Farm publications.

Alcorn State University salutes Mrs. Earcine Evans as the 2010 Woman in Business.

EARCINE EVANSMrs. Myra Byrant, Executive Director

Mississippi Association of Cooperatives (MAC)

creo
Page 16: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 21

As Americans began eating more and engaging in physical activities less, it appears that their dress and pant sizes changed, notes the World Heath Organization. According to gothampatterns.com, in the late 1940s, the clothing industry actu-ally changed the garment size chart so that customers wouldn’t feel in-sulted by the larger label size. This, however, had little effect on the eating habits of Americans, and in the 1920s, plus-size models were introduced to the public and were received positively. A review of the dress and pant sizes clearly indi-cates that something was changing in America’s eating patterns.

America’s eating habits changed tremendously in the 1950s with newly invented household appli-ances that made food preparations quicker and easier. This was soon followed by women entering the labor force at astounding rates, a rise in female-headed households, and the popularity of fast food es-tablishments.

The arrival of television and the onset of two-car families had subtle effects on family meals and physi-

cal activities. Families spent more time sitting down together and watching their favorite television show and snacking, than they did sitting down to dinner.

They were also beginning to eat out in restaurants that lured them with special pricing, offering free chips and bread before entrees arrived, and oversized servings of the entrees.

Within a 50-year span, America had changed from a physically fit nation to a nation suffering from diseases associated with being obese.

Overweight and obese rates in America are high (76%), but this can change because being over-weight and obese is preventable,

according to the World Health Organization. America can reverse the obesity trend by starting in the home, says registered dietitian Rebecca Faulkner. The USDA Di-etary Guidelines for Americans says that following these simple recom-mendations may result in big losses for those who are watching their weight and hope to see a reduction in dress or pant sizes:

1) To reduce weight: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-in-tensity physical activity and more than usual activity, at work or home on most days of the week.

2) Eat enough fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables per day are recommended.

3) Eat 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole grain products per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from enriched or whole grain products. In general, at least half the grains should come from whole grains.

For more information, contact Cindy Catchings at 601.877.6259 or email at [email protected].

FIX MY PLATEBETTER YET, SUPERSIZE IT!

Marjuyua Rowser, Ph.D., R.D. Edith Ezwekwe, R.D. Cindy Catchings, R.D.

Page 17: Fertile Ground

22 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

FACULTY STAFF NOTES

Dr. LaShunda L. Anderson, assis-tant professor in the Department of Agriculture, is a member of a research team recently awarded a $400,000 Outreach Assistance to Arkansas Dis-advantaged Farmers and Ranchers Grant. The project, entitled NATIVE

(Native Agriculture to Invigorate Ecosystems), is focused on showing small farmers how to grow warm season grass-es that are needed for seed by agricultural agencies and organizations that wish to restore or conserve grasslands. The grant is a partnership of Audubon Arkansas, USDA-NRCS National Agricultural Wildlife Center, and Alcorn State University.

Dr. Freda M. Lawrence, serves as director of media and communica-tions for the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sci-ences (AREAS).

Dr. Lawrence has taught print jour-nalism for over 24 years at two-and four-year colleges and universities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Hartford, Con-necticut and Chicago. In addition, she has worked as a corporate trainer and a social editor of a weekly newspaper.

She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in print journalism and mass communications, respectively, from Southern University A & M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; an education specialist degree in educational administra-tion and a doctorate in higher educational administration with a concentration in leadership and policy study, both from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL. Dr. Law-rence is a member of the Association of Communication Excellence in Agriculture (ACE), Mississippi Press Associa-tion, Communications and Marketing team of the Asso-ciation of Extension Administrators (AEA), and secretary to the Communications Committee of the Project Leaders Network (PLN).

Dr. Lawrence is a Baton Rouge native.

Ms. Lorrine Lias currently serves as the Community Resource Educator (CRD) for the Extension Program for nine counties in the southwestern por-tion of the state: Adams, Amite, Clai-borne, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Walthall and Wilkinson. A political

science graduate of Alcorn State University (’79), Lias has worked both in the public and private sector as a consul-tant. She is a Fayette, Mississippi native.

Ms. Elizabeth B. Myles, Market-ing Specialist in the Mississippi Small Farm Development Center completed all the requirements of the Energy Training for Agriculture Professionals program and is certified as an Energy Educator.

Dr. Wanda Newell, chair, Depart-ment of Human Sciences has attended several conferences this year, namely the Early Childhood Education Next Steps Forum in Jackson, Mississippi, on the topic “Early Brain Develop-ment;” Mississippi Head Start Asso-

ciation as the keynote speaker and as a panelist at the 2010 Small Farmers Conference in Jackson.

In addition, Dr. Newell attended the Kellogg Foundation-sponsored Early Education Meeting, the 2010 Annual Learning Laboratories for Early Learning and Educational System Change Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico and the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Newell recently received a national certification in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS) with a concentration in leadership and policy study.

Page 18: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 23

Mr. Karl Twyner has joined the Ex-tension staff as coordinator of staff development/advisory leadership. Mr. Twyner is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and has served as a teach-er, assistant principal, principal, cur-riculum coordinator and superinten-

dent. For the past six years, he has served as a national education consultant, presenter and keynote speaker for Staff Development for Educators, Peterborough, New Hampshire. He has also served as adjunct professor at Tougaloo College and, as dean of the College of Fine Arts at Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas.

Dr. Johnnie Westbrook was hired as the Extension associate for the Ex-tension program. Dr. Westbrook’s re-sponsibilities include program evalua-tion, accountability, and reporting. A North Carolina native, Dr. Westbrook received a bachelors of science de-

gree in agricultural education from North Carolina State University, and a masters of science degree in agricultural education from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. He received his doctorate in career and technical education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Dr. Westbrook taught secondary Agricultural Education for eight years in North Carolina and Program and Cur-riculum Design for two years at Virginia Tech. He was also employed as a farm management agent with the NC A & T State University Extension program for one year and a research assistant with the Virginia Cooperative Extension program for two years.

Dr. Westbrook serves as the chair of the 1890 Association of Extention Administrators (AEA) Professional Develop-ment Team and the 1890 board member representative to the AEA Extention Education Evaluation Topical Interest Group (EEETIG) for 2010-2013.

Mr. Kanayo Ugboaja was hired in October 2010 as the fiscal officer and budget manager for the School of AREAS.

Mr. Ugboaja attended Delta State University where he attained a

bachelor’s degree in accounting, and dual master’s de-grees in business administration and accounting. He started his professional career as a temp accountant working for a CPA firm in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He later relocated to Nashville, where he worked for six years for the state of Tennessee as a fiscal manager and fiscal auditor. Mr. Ugboaja is a native of Nigeria.

Administration Contact Information

Dr. Barry BequetteDean and Director of Land-Grant Programs

601.877.6137 office, 601.877.6129 faxEmail: [email protected]

Dr. Dalton H. McAfeeExtension Administrator

601.877.6128 office, 601.877.6694 faxEmail: [email protected]

Dr. Alton B. JohnsonInterim Assistant Dean of Research

601.877.6528 office, 601.877.6219 faxEmail: [email protected]

Dr. Wanda NewellChair, Department of Human Sciences601.877.4707 office, 601.877.3960 fax

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Kwanbena AgyepongChair, Advanced Technologies

601.877.6489 office, 601.877.3941 faxEmail: [email protected]

Dr. Dovi AlipoeInterim Chair, Department of Agriculture

Director, Global Programs601.877.6543 office, 601.877.4189

Email: [email protected]

Page 19: Fertile Ground

24 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Mojica Has Just Published Her First Book

Dr. Maribel N. Moji-ca, a research assistant professor in the Ag-ricultural Economics Program recently pub-lished a book entitled “Entrepreneurship and Economic Develop-ment: An Econometric Analysis of the Appala-chian Region”. After completing her doc-

torate degree she worked on the publication of her dissertation into a book published in June, 2010.

The book presents the results of Dr. Mojica’s re-search on the entrepreneurship-growth nexus where she used econometric models to determine the im-pact of entrepreneurship on economic growth. The book insights make it a useful source of information for policy-makers in designing and implementing development programs in other areas such as rural Mississippi.

Dr. Mojica is currently teaching courses in the Agricultural Economics program and conducting research in the areas of Economic Development, Rural and Community Development, Regional Economics, and Agricultural Marketing.

MORE FACULTY NOTES

ASU NATIONAL ALUMNIASSOCIATION AGRICULTURE

ALUMNI COMMITTEE

MEMBERSDr. Jesse Harness - Chair

Dr. Worth Haynes - Vice ChairDr. Mildred Holland-Secretary

Mr. Harold ArringtonDr. Willie F. Jackson

Mr. Alexander Anderson Mr. Delmar C. Stamps

Mr. Daniel TeaqueMr. Hubert Nichson

Mr. Jesse T. FlemmingsMr. Wesley Kerr

Mr. Richard Williams

Committee ObjectivesTo assist with restoration of state funding

and/or identification of new external funding for the Department of Agriculture to

recover from funding budget cuts.

To increase and assist with student recruitment for the Department of Agriculture.

Page 20: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 25

Alcorn State University is pleased to announce a new marketing contract for Mississippi farmers to sell yel-low and zucchini squash, okra, and watermelons to the Walmart Distribution Center in New Albany, Mis-sissippi. The marketing contract is between B & G Growers, C. H. Robinson and Walmart. The contract was spearheaded by Elizabeth Myles, Alcorn State Uni-versity’s Mississippi Small Farm Development Center’s marketing specialist.

“We are always seeking new marketing opportunities for small farmers and our cooperatives,” says Myles. On January 12, 2010, representatives from C. H. Rob-inson, Walmart, B & G Growers, and Alcorn State University met in Marks, Mississippi, to discuss the marketing contract.

C. H. Robinson and Walmart representatives toured the Marks Vegetable Processing Facility which had re-ceived USDA GAP/GHP certification for the second time in November 2009.

“The Alcorn State University Extension Program would play a vital role in providing education and technical assistance on producing the selected vegetable, which should help reassure that the farmers reach their maxi-mum potential for production,” says Anthony Reed, interim associate extension administrator.

B & G Growers are thankful to Alcorn State University for the opportunity, and are looking forward to a very successful production season with high yields on their 300-acre farm in Bentonia, Mississippi. In an effort to increase the number of locally-grown products sold at stores throughout Mississippi, Walmart is also working to identify Mississippi farmers who grow fruits and veg-etables.

C. H. Robinson said the locally grown initiative allows Walmart to continue its longstanding commitment to being a good neighbor and corporate citizen. It will also support rural economies and improve the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The goal – according to Doug Reynolds, a local sourc-ing buyer for Walmart – is to shorten the distance from the farm to the fork. “Reducing the amount of food miles – the miles that products travel from the farm to the store – is environmentally friendly,” Reynolds says. In many cases, local farmers are able to deliver their product directly to the store.

Working through the “Make Mine Mississippi” pro-gram, Walmart uses signage to highlight locally grown products in its stores. The signage is easy to recognize and is designed to let shoppers know the products have gained the approval of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture.

Over the past two years, Walmart partnerships with lo-cal farmers have grown by 50 percent. The company estimates it purchases more than 70 percent of its pro-duce from U.S.-based suppliers.

For more information about the program, contact Elizabeth Myles at [email protected] or 601.877.3947.

M A R K E T I N GOPPORTUNITY

Page 21: Fertile Ground

26 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

‘LET’S MOVE’CAMPAIGN VITAL FOR STATE

Dr. Norris Allen Edney, Past Interim President

Page 22: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 27

“Tasty as it is, Southern cuisine tends to favor fatty, high-caloric, and high-salt recipes for fried meats, gravies and sauces…”

First lady Michelle Obama is performing a real public service with her ‘Let’s Move’ campaign to encourage Americans, es-pecially young people, to exercise more and eat healthier. Michelle Obama is making good use of the White House’s “bully pulpit”, as well as her newly planted White House vegetable garden, to promote better nutrition and healthier lifestyles.

She’s raising the profile of an urgent issue and as a result, Congress designed September as National Child Obesity Awareness month, which was a testament to the severity of the problem facing our nation and Mississippi. Nationally, one in three youngsters is overweight, and some 17 percent are dangerously obese. Nearly 25 percent of those between ages 5 and 10 have high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, studies show.

In Mississippi, the statistics are especially frightening. For the second year in a row, our state has been rated by the Centers for Disease Control as the most obese state in the nation.

These problems put young people at risk of dangerous dis-eases, including diabetes, strokes and heart disease, when they get older. African-American children are more at risk of obesity than other youngsters. And we can see the long-term effects. Forty-two percent of African-American adults have hypertension, compared to 29 percent of whites and 26 percent of Hispanics. Similarly, 14.7 percent of African-American aged 20 years or older have diabetes.

These statistics highlight a hurdle for the first lady’s cam-paign: Millions of children live in low-income communities with few clean and safe parks, playgrounds or bike paths and little ease access to grocery stores or farmers’ markets.When it comes to making vulnerable segments of the popu-lation more aware of the need for healthy diets and making nourishing food more available, one model program can be found in Mississippi. While this effort is targeted to the elderly, it offers important lessons for programs oriented to-ward young people and their families.

The Farmers Market Voucher Project originated with Al-corn State University. It is conducted in partnership with

the Alcorn State Univer-sity Extension Program, the Mississippi Depart-ment of Agriculture and Commerce and the Area Agency on Aging.

Working with the Nat-chez Farmers Market with support from the United States Depart-ment of Agriculture Co-operative Extension program, the project distributes fresh fruits and vegetables to about 200 elderly residents of Ad-ams County and surrounding counties. The effort includes educational programs on how to prepare these fruits and vegetables to retain their nutritional value and using less fat, salt and sugar in preparing them.

While this program targets older people, it addresses many of the problems that also produce child obesity with 25 per-cent of the population of Adams County, including almost 20 percent of seniors living below the poverty line, many people cannot afford fresh fruits and vegetables. Tasty as it is, Southern cuisine tends to favor fatty, high-caloric, and high-salt recipes for fried meats, gravies and sauces, and even vegetable dishes.

A survey of seniors served by this program found that 52 percent said they had learned new food preparation tech-niques to use less salt and fat with their vegetables and less sugar with their fruits. This finding highlights the impor-tance of involving the entire community, from educators to farmers and civic leaders, as well as engaging people in changing their ways of cooking, eating and living.

As first lady Michelle Obama might say, “Let’s Move” on this urgent national priority.

First lady Michelle Obama is performing a real public service with her ‘Let’s Move’

campaign to encourage Americans, especially young people, to exercise

more and eat healthier.

Page 23: Fertile Ground

28 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

NUTRITION & DIETETICSDEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SCIENCES

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

NUTRITION & DIETETICS — THE CAREER CHOICE FOR YOU!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A FIELD THAT OFFERS?Job Security and excellent career advancement opportunities along with competitive

salaries that bring personal and professional satisfaction.

then NUTRITION AND DIETETICS is THE CAREER CHOICE FOR YOU.

ARE YOU AWARE THAT:NUTRITION & DIETETICS is one of the fastest growing, most

challenging scientific fields. More jobs are available in this field than there are people to fill them. Employment opportunities are growing faster than the

average of all other occupations through the 21st century.

Persons trained in NUTRITION & DIETETICS find jobs in health care facilities, business, government, schools, industry, private practice, and other agencies.

EXPLORE NUTRITION & DIETETICS — A CAREER CHOICE FOR YOU AT ASU!

For further information please contact:Department of Human Sciences, Alcorn State University, 1000 ASU Dr. #839

Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500 601.877.4707

Special Features Career Opportunities

Individualized Academic & Career Advisement

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association 216 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60606-6995 312.899.5400

creo
Page 24: Fertile Ground

Inaugurationof the 18th President

M. Christopher Brown II, Ph.D.

Save the DateApril 15-17, 2011

www.alcorn.edu/inauguration

Inaugural Office601.877.6111 | [email protected]

1000 ASU Drive | Alcorn State UniversityAlcorn State, Mississippi 39096-7500

Alcorn Bravery:Engaging Possibilities, Pursuing Excellence

creo
Page 25: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 3

LETTER FROM

EXTENSION ADMINISTRATOR

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 3

Greetings,

On behalf of the Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP), we are pleased to experience the first issue of Fertile Ground with you. The ASUEP sec-tion of Fertile Ground will showcase Obesity and Nu-trition and Health articles that address ASUEP unit programs, events and activities.

Since 1971, ASUEP has made a difference in the lives of the citizens in the state of Mississippi by extend-ing our outreach services into their communities. As ambassadors of Alcorn State University and the 1890 Land-Grant University System, we continue to change and impact lives positively through the support of our programmatic efforts that include educational mate-rials, programs, and training packages. The ASUEP mission is to improve the quality of life of limited-re-source audiences through education in a time of dy-namic change.

The Alcorn State University Extension Program planned program areas focus on addressing key pri-ority educational issues in Agriculture, Nutrition and Health, Family and Child Development, Youth De-velopment, and Community Resource Development. We have now targeted childhood obesity as one of the focuses of our Nutrition and Health program.

Children in Mississippi suffer from an alarming rate of obesity that continues to rise. Risk factors for heart disease (such as high cholesterol and high blood pres-sure) and type 2 diabetes occur more frequently in overweight children (Center for Mississippi Health Policy, 2003). The current trends in obesity among African American adolescents in the state of Missis-sippi remain alarming and disheartening.

The ASUEP hopes that individuals will find the magazine articles informative, relevant, and benefi-cial to their everyday lives. This magazine will be a great source of valuable information to state, nation-al, and international individuals and communities. Again, we appreciate your continued support of Alcorn State University.

Sincerely,

Dalton H. McAfee, Ph.D. Extension Administrator601.877.6128 office601.877.6694 faxEmail: [email protected]

creo
Page 26: Fertile Ground

1000 ASU DriveAlcorn State, MS 39096

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDAlcorn StateUniversity

CalendarPresidential Inauguration

April 15 - 17, 2011Alcorn State University

601.877.6111www.alcorn.edu/inauguration

Obesity and Wellness Kick-offMay 2011

Claiborne County, Mississippi601.437.5011

Agriculture Field DayMay 19, 2011

Preston, Mississippi662.773.7128

High School Apprenticeship Program

July 1-29, 2011Alcorn State University

601.877.2311

Sweet Potato JamboreeSeptember 22, 2011

Mound Bayou, Mississippi601.877.2312

Extension ExtravaganzaFall 2011

Alcorn State University877.427.9536 Toll-Free

CRD ConferenceOctober 20-21, 2011

877.427.9636

Extension AwarenessNovember 12, 2011Natchez, Mississippi

601.445.7976

creo
Page 27: Fertile Ground

4 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

THE SITUATION

In Adams County, Mississippi seventeen percent (17%) of the population consist of the elderly (i.e. age 65 and above) compared to twelve percent (12%) in Missis-sippi as a whole. Many of the elderly in the county live on fixed income which explains the high poverty rate of 19 percent (19%) among those 65 and older.

The high cost of fruits and vegetables very often limit access of the elderly population on fixed income from purchasing fresh high quality produce. This also pre-vents them from consuming balanced diets which can lead to potential health risks. Additionally, the lack of business development and economic growth in the county affect access to community grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

The proper consumption of fruit and vegetables has been linked to the reduction of nutrition-related chron-ic diseases. Also, weight gains and obesity have been documented as the leading causes of nutrition-related chronic diseases among the elderly population. The tra-ditional southern cultural ways of preparing fruits and

vegetables is also associated with the growing health problems of the elderly. In general, the southern cul-ture is socially conservative, and many southerners tend to be resistant to changing their traditional eating hab-its. This style of living is characterized by the heavy use of high-calorie cured or salted fats in vegetables, gravies, sauces and fried meats. As a result, there is a need for educational programs, events and activities to increase knowledge regarding food preparation and to introduce new nutritious tastes of fruits and vegetables which will promote increased consumption by the elderly popula-tion.

THE RESPONSE

Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) promotes business development through its “Natchez Farmers Market” providing fresh fruits and vegetables to consumers in Adams County and surrounding areas.

ASUEP joined forces with Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and the local Aging Agen-cies to address the lack of access and consumption of fruit and vegetables among the elderly through the im-

A STUDY: SERVINGTHE ELDERLY POPULATION

Helen D. Brooks, Marketing Specialist, ASUEP

Page 28: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 5

plementation of the Farmers Market Voucher Project. This project was designed to increase access to fruits and vegetables by the elderly, who often do not have the economic resources to purchase them and which leads to less than adequate consumption. The fresh fruits and vegetables vouchers were originally distributed to 200 elderly residents in Adams and surrounding counties (currently in 2010, 500 have been distributed in the same counties). The Farmers’ Market Voucher Project improved ability to purchase and consume fresh fruits and vegetables among the elderly population in Adams and surrounding counties.

Educational programs, events and activities were imple-mented to promote preparation methods of fruits and vegetables. The programs raised awareness of how to retain nutrient value in fruits and vegetables, how to decrease the use of fats and salt. They also emphasized the importance of the self-management skills of existing nutrition-related chronic disease such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes type 2 and obesity.

THE IMPACT

As a result of the project, 200 participants received fresh fruits and vegetables and participated in the edu-cational demonstration programs. According to a sur-vey conducted by the ASUEP, 98% of the 200 elderly participants (in the first year, which was four years ago, 2006) indicated that the Farmers Market Voucher Proj-ect increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Cur-rently, four years later, 500 participants are receiving the vouchers. Seventy-eight percent (78%) have indicated how the consumption of fruit and vegetables can con-tribute to an improvement in self-management skills for existing nutrition related diseases. Fifty-two percent (52%) stated that they gained knowledge of food prep-aration techniques to decrease the use of fat and salt in preparing their vegetables and sugar in preparation of fruits. One hundred percent (100%) of the 500 partici-pants stated they would share the information gained with their friends regarding the consumption of fruits and vegetables and nutritious ways to prepare them. In addition, participants stated that they would also in-form other elderly consumers to take advantage of the Farmers Market Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Project.

For additional information on the Farmers Market Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Project, contact Helen D. Brooks at [email protected] or 601.442.4648 or 601.807.0376.

A result of limited economic resources

in the county contribute to increases in

nutrition-related chronic diseases such

as hypertension, heart diseases, strokes,

diabetes type 2 and – in some instances

obesity among elderly population.

Page 29: Fertile Ground

JACKSON ROADMAPto Health Equity Project

Program Officer of the Kellogg Foundation William Bust-er, City Council President Frank Bluntson and others were among guests at the grand opening of the Jackson Road Map to Health Equity’s Farmers Market.

The market opened April 30, 2010, inside an abandoned supermarket at the Jackson Medical Mall, and is an at-tempt to provide affordable fruits and vegetables to seniors and others who live in inner-city Jackson. The market is a part of the Jackson Road Map’s initiatives to make the city healthier.

The market features food from area farmers who are also members of the Jackson Roadmap’s Farmers Cooperative. It is located at 2548 Livingston Road, and is open from noon until 6 p.m. on Fridays and from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Left to right: Katrina McLin, CRD Educator-Alcorn State University Extension Program, William Buster, Program Officer-Kellogg Foundation, Anthony Reed, Interim Assistant Extension Administrator, and Daniel Teague, Agribusiness Management Specialist, MS Association of Cooperatives

6 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

The 21th AnnualSMALL FARMERS

CONFERENCEJoin us in Natchez, MSMarch 26 - 28, 2012

Natchez Convention Center

Sponsored by the ASU Extension Program (ASUEP) in conjunction with the Mississippi Association of

Cooperatives (MAC)www.smallfarmersconference.org

877.427.9536

creo
Page 30: Fertile Ground

RURAL COMMUNITY

Gerald W. Jones, Interim Regional Coordinator

The Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) is aggressively addressing the obesity epidemic in the state of Mississippi by establishing rural community gardens. Citizens who live in small towns with a population less than 12,000 do not always have access to a variety of fresh vegetables due to an insufficient number of grocery stores. In contrast, consumers in metropolitan areas of the state have more choices throughout the store, especially for food that meets the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Americans are encouraged to consume at least two cups of vegetables per day to attain the recommended 2,000-calorie level. According to the Centers for Disease Control, recent statistics indicate that approximately one-third of African-Americans in the state are obese and plagued with chronic diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes.

As a result of these statistics, the ASUEP pilot-tested the “Rural Community Garden” concept in the Bogue Chitto community in Lincoln County in the spring of 2010. Prior to planting the garden, community citizens learned ba-sic horticulture practices such as insect and disease control, weed identification, nutrient management, vegetable crop families and cultivation techniques.

The community citizens, including youth, planted southern peas, tomatoes, sweet corn, okra, squash, pole beans, watermelon, butter beans, bell/banana peppers and eggplants. The vegetables were harvested on a weekly basis and distributed among the community families. The Bogue Chitto community garden was a huge success, united the community citizens, promoted physical activity and encouraged the youth and adults to consume more vegetables.

The next phase of the “Rural Community Gardens” will start in the spring of 2011 in Claiborne and Jefferson Counties. During this phase three community gardens will be established in both counties in various communities. ASUEP will team up with faith-based organizations in both counties to establish the gardens.

It is our goal to decrease the rate of obesity in the state of Mississippi by establish-ing Rural Community Gardens, which will provide access to a variety of fresh vegetables in rural communities.

For more information on community gardens, contact Gerald W. Jones at 601.857.0250 or [email protected]

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 7

creo
Page 31: Fertile Ground

8 FERTILE GROUND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) launched its new fitness program on Oc-tober 29, 2010, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and hundreds of invited guests to the Fitness First Studio. The Extension Program administration wrote a report on the need for a “Fitness First Program”. Here are some excerpts from that report.

Why do you think we need to establish

a Fitness First Program?

Healthy living and physical fitness are closely con-nected. Being physically fit not only helps people live healthy lives; it also helps people live longer. People who make physical activity and exercise a part of their daily lives when they are young are more likely to keep it in their lives as they grow older and benefit from it throughout their lifespan.

This is the message we will be sharing with the people we are serving. We realized that when educating our tar-get audience, it’s perceived better if you can speak from experiences. So we felt that we must not only be able to tell people about health and fitness, we must present ourselves as though we are taking our own advice.

What are you hoping to accomplish in this

one-year pilot program?

We are hoping to increase the awareness of our staff and the targeted audiences that adding regular physi-cal activity to one’s daily routine will improve health

and well-being. In addition, one of the most impor-tant benefits of physical activity is that it actually lessens a person’s risk of developing or dying from many of the most common causes of serious illness and death in the United States. The risk of developing colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes is reduced through regular physical activity. Being physically active has also been proven to help build healthy bones, joints, and muscles. Further-more, regular physical activities are noted to reduce the overall risk of dying prematurely from any cause.

EXERCISE. EAT WELL. LIVE WELL.

THE FITNESS FIRSTPROGRAM KICKS OFF

Anthony Reed, Interim Assistant Extension Administrator

Page 32: Fertile Ground

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY FERTILE GROUND 9