As the air begins to get colder and fall crops become ready to harvest, apple picking is a great way to learn about food systems, support local agriculture, and engage in healthy eating behaviors. On October 15th, 2024, twenty youth and child development professionals from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) traveled to Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry, CT to partake in an educational activity focused on fruit production and agriculture. MPTN members harvested their own apples right from the branch and learned how apple varieties have unique purposes, such as snacking or baking. The youth enjoyed being able to harvest their own fruit to take home and share with their families. This activity is part of a partnership between Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and UConn Extension supported by the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP). Learn more about this partnership at: https://ctnations.cahnr.uconn.edu/
Financial support for this work was provided by the USDA NIFA Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP Award 2022-41580-37944).