Getting Dirty with Valley City State University Students…to End Hunger

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A group of more than 200 freshmen at Valley City State University took to the fields.

This is the fifth year that Dan Faust has welcomed Valley City State University students in “The Living to Live, Living to Learn” freshman course to his farm.

Faust is a retired Lutheran pastor who has developed a passion for farming and helping others.

“I enjoy…I enjoy…I guess the truth is I’m a farmer at heart,” says Faust.

Students help Faust as he harvests squash that will be donated to the Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo.

The students may not follow all the rules of good harvesting, but he says it is a joy to see them having fun while they work.

“We tell them all the time don’t throw those squash, look at they’re… but they’re having a good time,” he says.

For some freshman at Valley City State University, this is the first time they have worked on a farm.

Catera Cousart says she is usually one to push the snooze button, but was glad she didn’t today.

“I mean I’m not a morning person, but you come out here, and a lot met a lot of new friends, and it’s a great opportunity I’ve never picked squash before, but my hands are dirty so that’s a good thing,” says Cousart.

Seniors at VCSU also participate in the annual event as mentors.

Being once in the shoes of the freshman, they are there to help their lower classmates see the value in the exercise.

“It’s an exciting time. It’s for bonding and a great time to get to know people and learn the value of hard work,” says Jason Nelson.

Their hard work will help feed those in need across the state.

Last year, the group of freshman, community volunteers and Faust harvested more than 33 pounds of produce for the food bank.