Moldy Peaches

Want to avoid the freshman 15? Tired of cold cereal, pizza pops, Kraft Dinner and beer? Why not try organic farming.

In the last decade or so, student-run farms have cropped up across the country, at almost 60 schools in 27 states. Foodies call it the latest sign of the seasonal, regional food movement's influence, even on a collegiate landscape that's virtually paved with Hot Pockets, Pop Tarts and leftover pizza.

In fact, over the past few years, about 200 US schools have signed up with farm-to-college programs, which match up local farmers with area universities, according to the Venice, Calif.-based Community Food Security Coalition. The University of Montana in Missoula, for example, allocates about $425,000 to local meat, dairy and wheat products, about 17 percent of the school's overall food budget.

The student forum on farming is here.

There is even an organic organization for secondary schools.