This summer I wanted to gain more direction on how my post-graduation work could connect food systems , environmentalism , and social justice . I wanted to find something that would align with my values and interests , and allow me to feel like I was making measurable progress . One of the great things about the Farm is that you can see the results of a “ deliverable ” every week . When we finished weeding a row , it was incredibly satisfying to see the difference ( and there ' s been extra satisfaction in seeing the changes over the summer !). At the same time , I initially struggled with communicating what I was getting done on the Farm . The daily tasks I was completing were real work , but not having a written report to point to made it difficult for me to describe the goals that I was working towards .
That leads me to the second great thing about farming - one of the major goals behind farming is providing food for communities . Especially in an environment like Baltimore , where larger systemic decisions make access to healthy and culturally appropriate food unequal , working to grow food for people is a great purpose . And , as I ’ ve heard repeated a couple times this summer , farming becomes revolutionary . Although I wasn ’ t seeing the page count increase for a report , the planting of seedlings and the weeding and watering all led to fresh produce on someone ’ s table .
It may sound cliché , but a huge part of my experience at Whitelock was the community . The purpose behind the work is to use our natural resources to support the health and well-being of people . It was inspirational to meet many like-minded people who dedicate their time to farming , or soil health , or cooking , all of which lead back to supporting the connection between people and the planet . Coming into the experience I was scared about my ability to talk to people in new spaces , but I ’ ve found that I can both do it and enjoy it . My experience at Whitelock has confirmed to me that I want to do work that intersects food systems and social justice , and it even introduced me to the idea of seriously gardening or farming at some point in my life .
Supported daily farm management , chores , and administrative tasks including but not limited to weekly harvesting , farm stand operation , clearing field space for planting , creating and organizing a digital balance sheet for receipts and sales , and printing and resupplying the stock of blank produce labels
Developed relationships with other farmers from the Farm Alliance of Baltimore and Acres for Change , soil scientists , community members , and volunteers , eventually gaining the ability to coordinate and direct volunteers
Collaborated with and learned from soil scientists to improve the soil quality and soil ecosystem through attending a vermiculture workshop , shadowing during compost monitoring , and adding bio-complete compost extract to soften soil
Presented at a community workshop with a panel of speakers called " Careers in Conservation ", hosted in partnership with the America ' s Conservation AG Movement ( ACAM ), to share my student perspective to a mixed crowd of professionals and youth
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29TH STREET COMMUNITY CENTER WHITELOCK COMMUNITY FARM
Intern : Aiman Altaf Intern : Marisa Thomas Supervisor : Nathalie Werebe
Supervisor : Kimberly Raikes What is the 29th Street Community Center ?
The 29th Street What Community is the Whitelock Center offers Community a variety of programs Farm ? for kids , adults , and all ages . The mission of the 29th Street Community Center is to
Whitelock Community Farm is a vibrant open space that build and strengthen neighborhoods and people by bringing together grows food and activates community to promote social equity residents of north central Baltimore through meaningful community building in the neighborhood . and high-quality enrichment programming for all ages and background .
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
ENVIRONMENT , SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH