EUFAULA, Ala. — Prekindergarten students at Eufaula Primary School stepped into the pages of “Right This Very Minute: A Table-to-Farm Book About Food” during a recent farmer’s walk event. The annual program — organized by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Barbour County office and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) agent Michelle Puckett — teaches young learners about the journey of food from farm to table.

Bringing the Book to Life

The school courtyard transformed into an interactive learning space with eight themed stations. At each stop, volunteers read pages from the book and demonstrated concepts such as farming, harvesting and food production. Students participated in hands-on activities that connected agriculture to their daily meals.

“By hosting the farmer’s walk, we celebrate farmers’ hard work while helping children understand the journey of their food,” Puckett said. “This event fosters appreciation for the meals we enjoy and the people who make them possible.”

Prior to the event, Short the Squirrel, Alabama’s literacy mascot, delivered his activity book, “Guide to Farming,” to each student. Puckett also presented each class with lunch bags and a copy of the book “Right This Very Minute.” The books were provided by the Barbour County Farmers Federation.

Exploring Food Groups Through Interactive Stations

The farmer’s walk stations covered all major food groups, with students collecting items like fresh oranges, whole-grain crackers, peanuts and milk for their lunches.

At one station, Megan Jones, an Alabama Extension home grounds regional agent, demonstrated how to make fresh orange juice, showing students how oranges are squeezed into juice. Each student received an orange to enjoy with their lunch.

SNAP-Ed Program Director Erin Reznicek showed how wheat is grown and processed into flour and let students feel harvested wheat grains. They left with whole-grain crackers to add to their lunch bags.

4-H Youth Development Coordinator Jill Wachs and volunteer Kristen Collier explained how peanut butter is made from harvested peanuts. Students enjoyed dancing to the song “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” and walked away with peanuts donated by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association.

Merri Robinson, Barbour County Extension administrator, Sam Williams, and Keisha Russaw with the Alabama Power Service Organization, used Sally, a wooden cow, to teach students about dairy farming. Each student participated in a hands-on milking demonstration and received milk for their lunch.

Carol Threatt and Taryn Hamilton from the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Keith Evett from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) taught students how beef makes its way from farm to plate. After learning how farmers care for the cattle, students formed hamburger patties with play dough. They received hamburgers for their lunch bags.

4-H volunteer Bonnie Martin and 4-H member John Puckett gave a lesson on poultry and egg production, showing how chickens produce eggs of various colors. Students interacted with live chickens, adding a fun, hands-on element to the station.

Richard Praegar, owner of Creektown Bee Farm, demonstrated beekeeping using a replica hive and explained how bees pollinate crops. Students sampled fresh honey and learned about the important role of bees in agriculture.

Encouraging Future Farmers

Sherri Burdell and Christina Wood from the Alabama Care Network Southeast distributed seed-starting kits and explained MyPlate guidelines. Students learned how foods from each group contribute to a balanced diet. Teachers and volunteers noted high engagement among students, with many gaining new knowledge about farming. Barbour County Extension Coordinator Mitzi Clayton said workforce development is a priority in the county.

“By sparking a love for farming in students, we’re not just teaching where food comes from; we’re building skills for a thriving future,” Clayton said.

More Information

To learn more about nutrition and physical activity, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com. There, you can find valuable resources, practical advice and insights to support your wellness journey.

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