(WNY News Now) – In celebration of National Agriculture Week, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County spearheads the Agricultural Literacy Week initiative, engaging over 2,500 local elementary students with the delightful story ‘I LOVE Strawberries’ and hands-on activities.
As part of its ongoing commitment to promote agricultural awareness, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua) is thrilled to organize the Agricultural Literacy Week for Chautauqua County, with generous support from community sponsors. National Agriculture Week, observed from March 18th to 22nd, serves as the backdrop for this educational initiative.
This year’s focus is on strawberries, with the selected book, “I LOVE Strawberries” by Shannon Anderson, guiding students through the journey from seedling to table. The story, narrated by Jolie, a determined young girl, underscores the accessibility of agriculture at any scale.
Local businesses, farmers, and community members have played a pivotal role in making this program possible through generous donations. Notable contributors include Farm Credit East, Olde Chautauqua Farms, and the Jamestown Garden Club, among others. The funds raised enable CCE-Chautauqua to provide books and materials to schools, fostering an interactive learning experience.
Volunteer readers, such as Sharon Reed and Mary Lissfelt from the Jamestown Garden Club, contribute their time to read at elementary schools, aligning with the club’s mission to stimulate an interest in gardening. CCE-Chautauqua encourages more volunteers to join this initiative; those interested can contact Josie Allen, 4-H Development Educator, at jla298@cornell.edu or call 716-664-9502.
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