Alabama State University receives a $300,000 grant to limit food insecurity. The grant will help support agricultural studies at the school. Dr. Michelle Samuel-Foo, an assistant biology professor who joined the faculty in 2008, wrote the grant proposal. She wanted to integrate AgriTech better and limit food security for ASU students. Dr. Samuel-Foo built a half-acre garden, which provides fresh food to students at the university.
Grant Details for Alabama State University
It was reported that the grant supplies $100,00 for Apple products. Those products will contain an iOS-based app that provides a QR code on plants. In addition, when visitors come to the garden, they will scan the codes and receive nutritional information and recipes.
“So initially, there was some hesitation,” Dr. Samuel-Foo said about the ASU attendees and how they felt about the garden. “But, once students volunteered that initial time, we had students that even after they graduated come back wanting to be involved in the garden. They’re definitely excited, and we’re happy for them.”
Agriculture at HBCUs
Unfortunately, agriculture programs are not popular among HBCUs. The main reason is because of the association with field labor. However, there a plenty of jobs in that industry that African-Americans could benefit from. Furthermore, the ASU garden gave student Audryanna Stokes the confidence to start her garden.
According to Propel Center, the mission is to serve as “a catalytic epicenter of learning that provides HBCU students with the knowledge, skills, tools and resources necessary to transform our nation’s talent pipeline and workforce. Our vision is to build generations of black leaders who advance equity and justice through technology, entrepreneurship, education and social impact.”
