Illinois Farm Families are offering mothers from the Chicago area a chance to see first-hand what farmers do, ask questions and connect with the people who produce food for their families and then share what they learn with others as Field Mom reporters.
Illinois Farm Families (IFF) will equip the “Field Moms” with video cameras so they can record and share what they see and learn. Their videos, stories, and photos will be available to everyone on the IFF website WatchUsGrow.org. The Field Moms will also be participating in media interviews and offering insights about their experiences on Twitter and Facebook.
Chicago-area Moms can apply for the opportunity to become a Field Mom at Watch Us Grow. To be eligible, a Mom must be an Illinois resident at least 18 years old, with at least one child under the age of 13 living at home. Applications will be accepted until August 21, 2011.
Field Mom applicants should have a strong interest in learning more about their food and where it comes from. They are expected to be honest, willing to ask questions among peers and farmers, and able to attend up to five day-long farm tours over the next year. Most tours will leave the greater Chicago area at 8 a.m. and return about 6 p.m. More information about Field Mom expectations is available on our website.
Even if you can’t commit to being a Field Mom, you can subscribe to follow the Field Moms on their farm tours, and communicate with them online. Illinois Farm Families will send you email alerts when the Field Moms are on the move, posting thoughts, pictures or videos, or when there’s other news to share.
Sounds like a great way to address that disconnect that non-farmers have with the people who feed them.