Exploring Food System Change through a Mixed Methods Analysis of Cooperative Extension's Role in the Farm to School Movement

摘要: Farm to School is a program that connects local and regional foods other farm products school meals, develops gardens, types of experiential learning programs for K-12 students. Since began in the mid-1990’s, have been developed all 50 states Washington D.C. The National Network has estimated almost 12,500 schools are involved with School, during 2011-2012 year, 5.7 million students were reached through activities. Research date investigating primarily focused on food system stakeholders including nutrition directors, distributors, farmers, teachers, students, principals. Not as much research explored Cooperative Extension’s role School. one method Extension professionals support community development while addressing pressing social concerns related agricultural viability public health. Drawing reasoned action theory movement theory, purpose this study was explore change an analysis movement. In two-phase explanatory sequential mixed methods study, behavioral intentions/behaviors analyzed. Additionally, goals, strategies, knowledge production participating explored. Data collected online survey distributed eight states. A total 931 completed questionnaire resulting 48 percent response rate. also state-based case Ohio State University (OSU) involvement leadership Program. included 21 interviews OSU partners. Regression models which intentions statistically significant explaining participation Results show past training program, about attitude towards perceived norms control positively associated Stevenson, Ruhf, Lezberg, Clancy (2007), qualitative found professional’s goals transformation inclusion, their strategies connection. Eyerman Jamison (1991), producing organizational Systems home several intellectuals. This concludes discussion recommendations movement, partners, future