Beans have a long shelf life packed with nutrition. How could this food source extend itself to the local community? Beans are a legume coming from the French word légume and the Latin word leger meaning to gather or to pick. With a cultural significance across several continents, beans have nourished humans, animals and soil health. As a seasonal progression of Beans Give Back 1.0, this Spring course will explore bean varieties that are suitable for growing in Southern Vermont with the intention to prepare the ground and plant, and the crop harvested will be given to a community group as a form of active placemaking and food access. Additionally, we will contribute to soil health by planting nitrogen fixing plants. This course will incorporate projects and research that look into beans from forms of currency to social and cultural class. In continuation, looking at the hyper local and imagined beans that could become a food staple to local communities.
This class cohort will be responsible for preparing and planting the Abenaki garden for the season, the third season the Abenaki seed will be planted at Purple Carrot Farm. We will learn about the traditional seven sisters and specific planting techniques and longevity of its nutrition.
Learning Outcomes:
Self designed research
Process driven project
Abenaki seed
Working with community
Collaborative planning
Crop planning for season planting
Future foodways of dried beans
Place making through food
Cultivating collective thinking
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
One CAPA course (Environment / Food) food related course OR permission by the instructor, reach to instructor via email (alexiselton@bennington.edu) to schedule an interview.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
Th 1:40PM - 5:20PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 10
Course Frequency: One time only
Categories: 4000 , Advancement of Public Action , All courses , Four Credit , Fully In-Person
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