A group of six students from the University of Virginia made a noteworthy stop in Muscatine, Iowa, as part of their cross-country journey to gain insights into the agricultural sector. This initiative, named ‘Roots on the Road,’ began in Seattle and aims to explore the food supply chain from production to consumption.

Engaging with the Community

The students, including Augusta Halle and Molly Moore, have been engaging with individuals at various levels of the food supply chain. From conversations at a McDonald’s in Idaho to discussions with truckers on the road, they are gathering diverse perspectives on agriculture. Halle, who is studying Chinese and commerce, emphasized the importance of understanding agricultural systems comprehensively.

Molly Moore, an economics and politics student, highlighted the kindness they’ve encountered throughout their journey. ‘We’ve had so many people who just want to connect and want to talk, and who also are willing to have some random college students come to their dinner table for a meal,’ Moore shared. This sentiment was echoed by Halle, who praised the ‘Iowa nice’ and the kindness they’ve experienced across the country.

Sharing Knowledge and Kindness

The students plan to compile their findings and experiences into a children’s book, aiming to inspire creativity and interest in agriculture among young readers. ‘So that’s why we’re writing a kids’ book, is to be able to inspire other people to look at different ways and get creative like everyone in Iowa already is,’ Halle explained.

In addition to their educational goals, the group is committed to performing 250 acts of kindness during their trip. Their journey continues with a stop in Cambridge, followed by a visit to Chicago, before concluding in Washington, D.C. in June.

Original reporting: WQAD (Quad Cities) — read the source article.