Growing up on a family farm in North Carolina, Sylvia Byrd knew where the food she ate came from. Often she helped grow it.
Ask many children where their food comes from and they'll likely say from the grocery store or a fast food chain restaurant.
As an associate professor in Mississippi State's department of food science, nutrition and health promotion, Byrd says people should remember where food comes from and be aware of how what they eat affects them.
She says children should be exposed to farm-fresh foods grown locally, particularly in agriculture-rich areas in Mississippi.
From her academic research to teaching and service throughout the state, Byrd works to improve nutrition and health education. She teaches a "Fun with Food" summer camp for children to expose them to basic food preparation and provide insight into where their breakfast, lunch and dinner really originate.
Byrd also works with public school districts throughout the state to find more opportunities for students to practice healthy eating habits and exercise more.
"I'm very passionate about children understanding about food," Byrd said.