FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 31, 2011

CONTACT:
Allen Sommerfeld, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6185, Allen.sommerfeld@state.mn.us

Ag students use cheeseburgers to teach inner-city kids where they get their food

What:

FFA agricultural students from Morris, Minn. will participate in a unique urban/rural exchange by teaching students at two Minneapolis elementary schools about agriculture and the food system. Presentations will be made by 45 FFA members at both Lucy Craft Laney and Jenny Lind elementary schools in north Minneapolis. The elementary students will learn how the components of a cheeseburger fit into Minnesota’s agricultural system – from the cheese made with milk from dairy cows to the wheat grown to make flour used in baking hamburger buns. Farm animals will also be present as part of this educational exchange program. This educational program is in partnership with Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom.

Who:

45 FFA students from Morris Area High School, Morris, Minn.
Natasha Mortenson, Agriculture Education Teacher and FFA Advisor, Morris Area High School
Commissioner Dave Frederickson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Assistant Commissioner Matthew Wohlman, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
(Commissioner Frederickson and Assistant Commissioner Wohlman will be attending the morning session at Lucy Craft Laney School.)           

When:

Friday, April 1, 2011
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lucy Craft Laney School 
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Jenny Lind School 

Where:

Lucy Craft Laney School (8:30 a.m. start)
3333 Penn Avenue North 
Minneapolis, MN  55412 
612-668-2200 
(Lead school contact is Alysha Alimohamed)

Jenny Lind School (1:00 p.m. start)
5025 Bryant Avenue North 
Minneapolis, MN  55430 
612-668-2020
(Lead school contact is Tim Jarosak)

(NOTE: Please enter the school using the main entrance. All media must report to the school office after entering the building. Members of the media will then be directed to the classroom.)

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