The Real Soil, Real Food, A Real Difference pilot program was developed and is taught by professionals experienced in agriculture and youth development:
- Dr. Deb Hall of Iowa State University Extension in Adair County developed the pilot curriculum and taught much of the first session. During 30 years with ISU Extension, Dr. Hall has served in several capacities including state 4-H and Youth Development Livestock Specialist.
- Diane Weiland is the CEO/Program Developer for The Wallace Centers of Iowa and coordinates the overall Real Soil, Real Food, A Real Difference program. Her program efforts have been in the areas of community building, civility, cooking and the history of the Wallace family. Through her career she has directed a number of community projects including the formation of the Iowa Aviation Museum. She has served as a county supervisor, small business consultant and a newspaper reporter.
- Ann Taylor is the Vice-President of Marketing and Resource Development for The Wallace Centers of Iowa. She coordinates the program’s marketing and publicity efforts. Ann has served several non-profit organizations including Iowa State University Extension and Living History Farms. She has a master’s degree in public administration from Drake University.
- Lisa Swanson is the Program Assistant, Gift Shop Manager, and Floral Gardener at The Wallace Centers of Iowa. Lisa assists with the program’s activities and field trips. She is educated as a deaf interpreter, mental health advocate and master gardener.
- Mosa Shayan, Farm Programs Manager, will lead hand-on activities in the production gardens, emphasizing organic farming practices in soil quality, weed and pest management, and water conservation.
- Katie Routh, Chef/Food Programs Manager, will direct the hands-on meal and snack preparations, using as many fresh, local ingredients as possible.
The curriculum includes research and materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Partnership for Food Safety Education, and the International Food Information Council.
Local and statewide guest speakers include professionals from DuPont Pioneer, USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, the World Food Prize, ISU’s Neely-Kinyon Research Farm, Iowa Department of Human Services, Southwest Iowa Egg Co-op, Adair County Home Care; Creston Farmers Market, and Picket Fence Creamery, the World Food Prize, ISU’s Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, ISU’s Endowed Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, and Buy Fresh, Buy Local.