Newfield
From Past to Present
Newfield is a small rural town located in upstate New York. The town was originally settled in 1800 by Dutch farmers. Over the past 200 years, Newfield has transitioned from a community deeply rooted in agriculture and subsistence farming, to a community that primarily works and shops in larger towns located nearby.
According to the 2000 Census, Newfield has a population of 5,430— 96% of whom are white and 21% (>25 years old) of whom have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Although this small town has a thriving community spirit, many children are raised without a sense of the diverse world that exists beyond their town, their state, and their country.
Implications
The children of Newfield are characteristic of many children across the United Sates. As the number of small family farms are decreasing, fewer children are exposed to agriculture and the production of food. Without this exposure, an increasing percentage of our youth are are raised ignorant of where their food comes from, how far it travels to reach their table, and what crops are in season.
Children across the U.S. are becoming less active and are increasingly exposed to unhealthy foods. As rates of childhood obesity in the country are rising, it is increasingly important to help children lead active and healthy lifestyles.