UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The University Libraries will hold a seminar on Thursday, Sept. 17 focusing on an innovative South African program where school students grow their own vegetables. “From Garden to Fork: Serving Locally Grown Fruits and Vegetables in Johannesburg, South Africa Schools” will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library. It will also be available for viewing live online. This seminar is part of an ongoing series organized by the Interinstitutional Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Penn State University Libraries. Hema Kesa from the University of Johannesburg and Amit Sharma from Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management will be speaking.

The School Food Gardens Program is a pillar of the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) in South Africa. Its purpose is to develop students’ skills in producing food for their schools and serve as a resource for teaching and learning. Schools participating in NSNP are required to implement food production initiatives, given available resources. In 2011, The South African Department of Basic Education purchased and distributed 16 vegetable tunnels and other agricultural resources to support schools in sustaining their vegetable gardens. A variety of vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, beetroot and onion were planted. This presentation will identify the various motivations for school gardens and discuss whether current incentives assure sustainability.

For more information and to view past presentations, vist icik.libraries.psu.edu. If you anticipate needing accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, contact Helen Sheehy at hms2@psu.edu or 814-863-1347 in advance of your visit.