The Staley School of Leadership Studies proudly introduces Food Security Scholars (FSS), a program for Kansas State University students who are interested in understanding food security systems and challenging the way we think about food insecurity, community need and how we provide food.
Students applying for FSS may come from any major or area of study at K-State, and may be undergraduate or graduate students.
Applications for the inaugural cohort are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 6, 2021.
The FSS mission is ‘Empowering scholars by fostering curiosity and community to make progress toward a food secure world.’ Members of the group will have opportunities to gain firsthand experience working with community partners and leaders around the topic of food security.
The Staley School spoke with Michael Dowd, junior, Animal Science major and Global Food Systems Leadership secondary major, who is a founder of the program. Here’s what we learned.
What made you interested in food security, and how did it drive your passion to found this group?
My passion for food security happened at a conference when my roommate shared that his family experienced food insecurity growing up. His story reminds me that often our friends and peers are facing food insecurity without us even knowing and we needed a program where passionate students gather to reduce food insecurity.
What is the most important function of FSS?
Personally, networking and reflecting are the most important functions of FSS. Scholars are connected to a network of fellow students, faculty, and professionals. Scholars also spend time reflecting with each other after observing, volunteering, and experiencing. Paired together, networking and reflecting allows scholars to get curious and learn about the complexities of food insecurity while surrounded by a strong support system.
What types of work or change will this group create and where?
This group will become catalysts for serving with their community and creating knowledge in food security issues. We see this group as the leaders who question the status quo, learn about the complex issues, and work with stakeholders to implement ideas which make the world more food secure.
How do you envision students in this group utilizing what they learn here in their lives after K-State?
Regardless of career path, scholars will strengthen their curiosity, grit, and altruism. Our aim is that scholars are empowered to walk into any meeting room and advocate for the progress they desire.
Who else had a hand in the founding of this group?
Several dedicated individuals played a role in our foundation including K-State students Reed Middleton, Michaela Forst, Scuyler Zenger, Max Harman, and Jaden Castinado, and Mary Kay Siefers, Ph.D., teaching professor and global food systems leadership program director at the Staley School of Leadership Studies.
“The Staley School and I are so excited about this program and really looking forward to working with students from all backgrounds on campus to learn together and build on the energy the founders have started,” said Mary Kay Siefers. “Studying the root causes of food insecurity now will enable them to make significant impact in their communities when they leave K-State.”
Applications are open now. Learn more about FSS.
