Wicked Problems, Wolfpack Solutions: Future of Food Resources for Students

Community

There are many opportunities to meet students with similar interests through student organizations and Living and Learning Villages. Several are focused on food and sustainable agriculture:

A row of plants are tended to by robotic arms

Courses and Degrees

NC State has many courses at the undergraduate level related to Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and other UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Learn about the Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems major and Agroecology minor on the Agroecology Undergraduate Programs website.

Service and Internships

The Agroecology Education Farm is the place (and community) where students can learn hands-on about sustainable and organic agriculture production throughout the year and then eat what they grow in the NC State Dining halls back on campus. Students can volunteer, attend (or lead) a workshop, organize a visit/tour for a club, or even work at the farm. Each year the Agroecology Education Farm hires 1-3 student interns.

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. The center offers internships and other ways to get involved.

Imagine a career where you teach people, and your classroom is a farm, field, factory, forest, home, or community. NC State Extension offers summer internships and information about career pathways.

Feed the Pack is the food pantry on NC State’s campus. Feed the Pack is student-led and open to all members of the campus community (students, staff, and faculty).

The Campus As A Classroom program provides on-campus, real-world learning opportunities about sustainability through paid internships for NC State students during the academic year (fall and spring semester).

NC State Stewards is a sustainability leadership development program. Recruitment for first-year and transfer students opens in the fall.

Caldwell Fellows develops the next generation of self-aware, globally-minded humans that engage in creative, conscientious leadership. Applications open in the fall semester.

Social Innovation Fellows is a year-long learning and engagement experience focused on solving grand challenges. Applications open in the spring semester.

The Career Development Center can help you find jobs and internships and develop a career path that matches your unique talents, interests, and ambitions.

Global Opportunities

Explore study abroad opportunities related to agriculture, animal science, biochemistry, nutrition, and more.

Research and Innovation

Initiatives at NC State tackling wicked problems related to food and agriculture include:

The Office of Undergraduate Research helps to connect students with mentored research experiences.

Campus and Local Resources

The Special Collections Research Center holds unique collections that document historical and contemporary aspects of fields of study that are strengths for NC State, including topics related to food, agriculture, animal rights and welfare, and much more.

Learn how to compost at NC State and take a tour of our Compost Facility.

Zero Waste at NC State provides tips on the benefits of zero waste and how to incorporate zero waste strategies while at NC State. Be inspired, get involved, and take action to make your zero waste #STATEment!

Read about NC State Dining’s sustainability initiatives and programs, including composting, a take-out program, and trayless dining.

Howling Cow ice cream is made right here on campus at the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Science’s Feldmeier Dairy Processing Lab in Schaub Hall.

Try some recipes from the 2021 NC State Stewards Cookbook, Sustainable Food Systems: A Crash Course for the NC State and Local Community.

Taste local oysters and tour a working shellfish farm along the NC Oyster Trail.

Campus Events

Explore the Libraries' Future of Food events.

Enjoy special food-related events offered by NC State Dining.

April is Earth Month at NC State. This month-long emphasis and event series focused on the planet, sustainability, and how you can make the world a better place is hosted by NC State’s Sustainability Council and University Sustainability Office.

NC State offers many sustainability-related events. This calendar keeps you in the loop.

The Office of Global Engagement offers a series of events related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

News

The University Sustainability Office publishes a weekly newsletter during the academic year to keep you informed about sustainability news, events, jobs and other opportunities.