Central Michigan students work and learn on 180 Degree Farm | Arts & Community

Each spring, the farm participates in the Alternative Breaks Program, which brings in university students from all over the country to volunteer at 180 for approximately a week.

Volunteers from the university work at the farm daily, planting, weeding, mulching and doing anything else that needs to be done.

According to Scott, springtime is critical for hands-on volunteers because they can do a lot in a short amount of time. Students helped perform several much-needed tasks for this time of the year.

“This was a huge help,” Scott said. “We got a lot planted in the ground for early spring crops like lettuce, broccoli and things like that.”

The Alternative Breaks Program is a major part of the farm, providing ample opportunities for students who have a heart for giving and are very curious.

However, Scott wants students to walk away from the experience and understand what it takes to grow things cleanly and healthily, focusing on soil and nutrient density and symbiotic relationships and how everything works together.

“While eating healthier and organic may seem expensive, it will be beneficial in the long run,” Scott said. “We demonstrate that you can stretch your dollar by cooking at home and cooking enough to freeze and eat later.”

It’s all about priorities, too.

Scott said the stereotype of a ramen-eating college student isn’t too far off. The program teaches students the importance of consuming quality food and of preparing, cooking and sitting down together.

“America has a diet of convenience,” he said….