Nurturing Roots of Justice: New resources for K-12 food systems education in Michigan
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EmailMichigan educators can now access the Nurturing Roots of Justice food systems education resource hub and MI Food Stories Facilitator Guide.
Michigan K-12 educators can now access the Nurturing Roots of Justice food systems education resource created by University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability graduate students, in partnership with Michigan State University Extension’s Community Food Systems team and the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative Discovering PLACE. This is the product of an 18-month Master’s graduate capstone project led by University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability students Lashaun Jackson, Sami Maldonado, and Justin Thompson. This resource gives educators tools to learn and teach food systems topics.
The “Learn” section of the Nurturing Roots of Justice website includes resources for K-12 educators to expand their own knowledge of Michigan’s food system. These resources include information about food systems and food production in Michigan and highlight place-based education, environmental justice, and Michigan organizations involved in food systems work. Place-based education is a teaching approach that encourages teachers and students to learn in their local community and environment, which increases learning comprehension and fosters student empowerment. Those interested in learning more about Michigan’s food system are encouraged to participate in the MSU Extension MI Food Stories online course, which can be used as a starting place when preparing to use the Nurturing Roots of Justice resources.
Launched in December 2024, the MI Food Stories D2L course aims to help Michigan food consumers become more knowledgeable about the Michigan food system. Course participants engage in online activities that explore food production, processing, consumption and distribution in Michigan; share food stories from their communities; and recognize their connectedness to food, agriculture, the environment and the economy. This course is free and takes place on MSU's Desire 2 Learn online platform where participants can learn at their own pace.
The “Teach” section of the website includes resources meant for integration into Michigan K-12 classrooms. The digital resource hub houses over 300 lesson plans, activities, and videos focused on food systems and agriculture. Educators can sort and search by resource type, theme, and grade level to find resources most relevant to their classroom needs. This section also includes a Facilitator Guide to accompany the MI Food Stories course and support educators that might be new to food systems. This facilitator guide includes activities and discussion prompts to bring food systems topics and components of the MI Food Stories course into the classroom.
The Nurturing Roots of Justice resources lay the framework to promote curiosity, problem-solving, and community engagement for Michigan K-12 students. These resources support MSU Extension’s work to increase food systems knowledge and support community engagement in agrifood systems across the state.
