At Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, we know agricultural literacy can reach far beyond state lines. That is exactly why this spotlight matters.
MAITC Goes Global to Fight Hunger highlights how MAITC resources were shared with educators and agriculture advocates from around the world during the Global Youth Institute, held as part of the World Food Prize Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Each October, teachers and students gather for this event to explore hunger-related challenges, present researched solutions, and learn from leaders in agriculture and education.
For MAITC, this was an opportunity to show that strong agricultural literacy resources can support learning in many places and across many educational settings. Though the materials came from Minnesota, participants left with a better understanding of how they could use them in their own classrooms and communities, regardless of state or country.
How MAITC Goes Global to Fight Hunger Through Education
A total of 22 teachers and agriculture advocates from more than 20 schools and organizations participated in the workshop. While two participants were from Minnesota, others came from the United States, the Philippines, Uganda, and Kenya. Participants received packets that included the Program Resource Guide, AgMag samples, a grade-level lesson plan, and information about Read and Grow. Lesson samples focused on global hunger-related topics such as hunger, global issues, women, soil, and trade. Additional curriculum shared included AgMag and the “A Search for the Source” lesson kit.
Jessica Petroske Helped MAITC Go Global to Fight Hunger
This spotlight also gives us the chance to recognize the person behind the effort. Jessica Petroske, MAITC Resource Specialist, led this work and helped connect educators with resources they could take back and use in meaningful ways. Her outreach reflects the kind of thoughtful work that helps agricultural literacy grow.
Why MAITC Goes Global to Fight Hunger Matters
This spotlight is a reminder that agricultural literacy is deeply connected to real-world issues. When educators have access to strong materials and practical tools, they are better equipped to help students think critically about food systems, natural resources, and global hunger.
MAITC is proud to see Minnesota-developed resources making an impact far beyond our borders. MAITC Goes Global to Fight Hunger is also a reminder that the work of agricultural literacy can start here in Minnesota and still reach classrooms and conversations around the world.