From field to community: CFAES donates pumpkins to brighten Star House Halloween

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As Halloween approaches, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is bringing a festive spirit to Star House, a drop-in center for teens and young adults experiencing homelessness in central Ohio.

With a donation of approximately 60 pumpkins from Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, a 261-acre living laboratory for innovation and engagement on Ohio State's Columbus campus, local youth will have the opportunity to decorate their own pumpkins, fostering community spirit and creativity, said Matt Sullivan, assistant director of Waterman.

"We are proud to support our local communities through initiatives like this pumpkin donation," Sullivan said. "By providing these pumpkins, we not only contribute to a fun and engaging activity for the youth at Star House, but also reinforce our commitment to outreach and education in agriculture."

The impact of such events is significant, especially for the youth who benefit directly from these community efforts.

"Every year, we try to give a pumpkin to each youth for decorating," said Renea Williams, Star House vice president of development. "The pumpkin decorating event plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and connection among the residents at Carol Stewart Village."

"This welcoming environment allows residents to engage with one another in a creative space, helping them build a sense of belonging."

Star House, founded in 2006, provides essential services to youth ages 14-24 experiencing homelessness. The organization offers access to food, clothing, hygiene items, and various supportive resources aimed at stabilizing lives.

"Coming out of homelessness, feeling isolated is common," Williams explained. "Events like these enable youth to feel seen and valued, which is crucial for settling into a new community."

The collaborative effort also highlights the educational aspects of the partnership. Waterman serves as a unique resource in the city of Columbus, offering learning opportunities for all ages interested in agriculture and natural resources.

"Growing produce at Waterman allows students and the community to understand how production agriculture works and learn about the life cycle of plants," Sullivan said. "This partnership with Star House will enhance future learning opportunities at Waterman, furthering our mission to support local communities."

Jim Jasinski, a pumpkin expert and an educator with Ohio State University Extension, CFAES' outreach arm, emphasized the importance of these pumpkins not just for decoration but as part of a broader agricultural initiative.

"Ohio is one of the top pumpkin-producing states, and at CFAES, we cultivate various pumpkin types for research and education," he said. "CFAES stations collectively raise about 12-15 acres of pumpkins annually for research and demonstration purposes, providing valuable insights into best practices for local growers."

Jasinski noted that the Western Agricultural Research Station conducts trials on numerous pumpkin varieties, ensuring local growers have access to the best options for their needs.

"We trial everything from mini pumpkins to giant ones, experimenting with different production techniques and pest management strategies," he explained. "When selecting a pumpkin, look for one that is sturdy with a good handle and free of blemishes. A range of sizes and colors makes for a festive display, and I always encourage people to think about using the seeds after carving for a nutritious snack!"

As Star House prepares for the pumpkin decorating event, the partnership with CFAES not only facilitates a festive activity, but also underscores the importance of agricultural education and outreach in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in central Ohio.

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