The Local Foods Education Center is a novel approach to addressing food security in South Dakota. The 1.2-acre outdoor classroom is located on Medary Avenue on the northern edge of the SDSU campus.
The outdoor classroom is over an acre in size and is fully dedicated to student and public teaching. It emphasizes hands-on field experience, with small-scale food production and distribution practices, ecosystem sustainability and consumer access to a safe and stable food supply.
Consumer demand for food that is locally produced, marketed and consumed is generating increased interest throughout the United States. As interest grows, so do questions about modern production techniques and best management practices. Consumers who prefer locally grown food also care that it is grown in an environmentally acceptable manner. Students who use the Local Foods Education Center will learn organic production techniques, low-volume irrigation. The center also includes habitats to support bees and butterflies.