project aims to empower young people and communities to control their own food systems by growing food locally, using eco-friendly methods and eating foods that are important to their own culture. The initiative, led by Melinda McClimans, assistant director of the Middle East Studies Center (MESC) recently was awarded a $10,000 Documenting Impact Grant by the Office of Outreach and Engagement to capture experiences about plants and food and quantitatively measure outcomes, ensuring that the knowledge of Middle Eastern and African food system is preserved through hands-on learning activities and educational materials.

The Documenting Impact Grants seek to extend research and creative expression beyond Ohio State’s campuses by engaging in partnerships with communities in the state and beyond. 

The Seeds of Middle Eastern Culture initiative not only supports food sovereignty but also advocates that communities should play a role in production and policymaking to ensure the availability of culturally appropriate foods. 

In Columbus, the efforts have three guiding principles:

The project is a collaboration between the MESC and the Vincent Walters Urban Farm in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Columbus. Throughout the summer at farmers markets and community events, Seeds of Middle Eastern Culture will highlight the significance of culturally relevant plants, promote learning about systems of the Middle East and share information about additional food systems and plants. 

“I am humbled and grateful to have been awarded this grant to document the impact of our project” said McClimans. “I hope the lasting impact will be a community of young people passionate about knowledge, skills and understanding rooted in foodways and how they are important to both cultural heritage and creating new food realities.”

For more information and to get involved with the Seeds of Middle Eastern Culture project, visit their webpage.