progress at Berea College .
“ We are part of this circle . Students spend all this time growing produce and taking care of the livestock and then it makes its way here to the farm store . Then , it goes on again along the circle to our community in the form of prepared food ,” Little explained .
Farm store student workers also get important lessons in food management , preparation , and customer service .
“ We have students learning everything from preparing baked goods and sandwiches to working with me in the butchery . I cure all our ham and make all the bacon here ,” Little explained . The farm store student workers also learn the value of using resources .
“ We try to waste very little ,” Little explained . “ I ’ ve got students deboning chickens right now . The chicken will be used for things like the chicken salad , while the bones are used to make our stock .”
Little , who also farms on his own property , said he enjoys watching students hone their gifts and skills while at the farm store — blossoming among the work . Sometimes it takes time . The farm store manager recalled watching a former student struggle . The student was suspended , but persevered through adversity and eventually made her way back to Berea College and will be graduating soon .
“ She stuck it out . She could ’ ve folded , but she pushed through . She already has a good job opportunity lined up , because she kept at it ,” Little said .
For the Berea College Farm crew cultivating successful adults is the ultimate goal .
“ You spend four years invested — growing and tending — and then one day , we hope , our student ’ s hard work bears fruit . That ’ s the true harvest , here . Our students and graduates ,” Oles said .
September - October 2022 Madison Magazine 15