A new Community Food Studies Certificate Program planned at Wayne State University will enable student and community leaders to gain systematic knowledge about the Detroit area's food system as well as the skills to strengthen it.
Supported by a $100,000, 18‐month planning grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the post‐ baccalaureate certificate program will build on existing campus and community partnerships led by SEED Wayne since 2008.
The certificate program will integrate elements of classroom, field‐based, and engaged learning through required coursework, projects, and paid internships offered in partnership with community organizations and diverse campus units. Students with a bachelor's degree in urban studies, environmental studies, public health, business, public policy, nutrition, anthropology, sociology, or other related fields may qualify for the certificate program.
"Detroit is a hot‐bed of food system activities," said Kami Pothukuchi, SEED Wayne's director and interim chair of the Department Urban Studies and Planning where the Certificate Program will be housed. "This grant helps us integrate our academic and engagement activities in a coherent package, through which students may enhance their leadership skills, gain a deeper knowledge of the community's food system, become enmeshed in related social and professional networks, and secure employment and career opportunities."
Advised by a committee consisting of WSU faculty members and community leaders, the certificate program will be developed and partially piloted in the 2015‐16 academic year.
Several community organizations have agreed to partner in the initiative. Others will be recruited in the planning phase of the program. Partners include the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Detroit Public Schools' Office of School Nutrition, Detroit Food and Fitness Collaborative, and Earthworks Urban Farm.
About SEED Wayne
SEED Wayne's mission is to collaboratively build sustainable food systems on the campus of Wayne State University and in Detroit neighborhoods through activities in research, teaching, campus operations and community engagement.
SEED Wayne projects include three campus gardens; the 22‐week Wayne State University Farmers Market; a 4,000‐square‐foot passive solar greenhouse at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen for year‐round production of vegetables for the soup kitchen, and the Healthy Eats community nutrition project. For more information on the program, visit clas.wayne.edu/seedwayne.
About the W. K. Kellogg Foundation
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.
The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.