Food Deserts vs. Food Swamps: Tackling America's Hidden Crisis
The Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) at UMBC offers middle and high school students a unique, engaging, and intellectually stimulating experience. With a diverse range of one-week workshops and courses, SEA immerses students in the world of science, engineering, technology, the arts, and humanitiesâall led by UMBC faculty, industry professionals, and graduate students.
SEA's college-style experiences are designed to inspire students to think critically, work collaboratively, and challenge themselves in ways they wonât find anywhere else.
In this class, learners will dive into some of the toughest issues facing our communities today: Why do food deserts and food swamps exist? How do they contribute to health problems? And what can we do about it? Learners will go beyond the textbook and roll up their sleeves with hands-on projects. They will build models of their school or home to see how close (or far) they are to healthy food options, and they will research how food scarcity affects everyoneâfrom individuals to entire neighborhoods. But thatâs just the start! Learners will have the chance to write to local officials, push for change, and explore career opportunities in the agriculture world that help fight food insecurity. Throughout the course, learners will also learn how growing their own food can make a difference and will meet a modern farmer (in person or via Zoom) to talk about how we can all help tackle food insecurity. By the end, learners will be ready to become Food Ambassadors, advocating for solutions to the food crisis and leading the charge for healthier, more equitable communities.
Earning Criteria
- Attend at least 3 workshops