What has changed drastically for us is the way we feed kids. When I came twelve years ago, we didn't have enough funding to be able to buy food for all the kids' programs, so it was what we could glean out of what was donated that we didn't eat for dinner and that's what they would provide kids.

That meant chips, cookies and other unhealthy foods. Executive Director Vicki Pierce remembers one of the first changes she made to how the Community Kitchen of Monroe County feeds children, in her second year on the job -- a move to 100-percent juice drinks. She talks about what they now serve to kids and other changes her organization has made over her tenure.

When it's hot and humid, there are few things more refreshing than a cold drink. Daniel Orr blends up watermelon, mint and a whole lot of ice.

From Harvest Public Media, rural towns like Brookfield, Missouri look to expand their local industry beyond agriculture.

Then, while women are close to or more than half of students at state ag colleges all over the Midwest, you're likely to find it's the men planning to head straight back to the farm after college.

And, not your grandparents' 4-H! We visit county fairs to hear how the ag organization is getting hip to the times.

Stories On This Episode

Rural Towns Banking On More Than Just Farming To Survive

Rural towns like Brookfield, Missouri are trying to sell businesses on their assets, including a ready workforce, central location and affordable land.

Despite Changing Gender Roles, It's Sons Who Go Home To Farm

Farms look different in many ways than they did decades ago, but the tradition of sons returning to take over remains a strong one. Gradually, though, women are starting to notice some changes.

Study Says Grocery Tax Affects Low-Income Families

The three states with the highest level of food insecurity are Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama - and all three states have a high grocery tax in place.

Vicki Pierce: "What Has Changed Is The Way We Feed Kids"

As the Community Kitchen of Monroe County prepares for the 10th annual Chef's Challenge, Executive Director Pierce reflects on how her organization has evolved.

Poultry Company Calls Antibiotics-Free Labels A 'Gimmick'

The country's third-largest poultry producer has launched an ad campaign to defend its use of antibiotics and slam competitors for using "misleading" labels.

As Agriculture Modernizes, County Fairs Work To Keep Pace

It's fair season in Indiana. This means lots of 4-H activities happening around the state -- but they might not be the ones you're picturing.