At the start of this experience , I was apprehensive about entering a new space filled with many unknown faces . I am not usually one to push myself into uncomfortable situations , however , I can now say my time with the Black Church Food Security Network ( BCFSN ) has truly changed my life . My supervisor , Linneal , and each staff member has truly accepted me as if I were family . I tried my best to listen more than speak , and I learned so much from every person I met this summer . I ’ ve attended so many meetings this summer and have taken so many notes through the course of these eight weeks .
Coming into this internship , my perspective focused on how I could be of service to BCFSN , but that quickly changed as I realized my supervisor and BCFSN were the ones pouring into me . Linneal and BCFSN planted a seed of confidence in me that I know will continue to grow . I have never worked in food justice before , and I learned a lot by just watching Rev . Dr . Heber Brown III speak . I learned about the significance of making the distinction between the terms food desert and food apartheid . Specifically , here in Baltimore , using the term food desert completely shields the racist policies designed and enacted by government and corporate entities that decided which areas of the city would be invested in and have certain infrastructure like grocery stores . Black neighborhoods and other minority neighborhoods were targets for these policies , and The Black Church Food Security Network taught us to rely on what used to be the hub of many Black communities , the church . Churches hold power and have many resources that gather dust after Sunday , but with the vision of Dr . Brown and BCFSN , these resources whether financial or physical ( people , church vehicles , church land ) can be used to support Black farmers across the country , create a food supply chain , and give access and autonomy to Black communities .
I worked a lot with BCFSN ' s Soil to Sanctuary program , in which the actualization of this food supply chain is fulfilled . Through this program , churches host farmers ' markets and provide nutrient-rich produce from Black farmers . Although it may have taken some time , I think over time I was able to slowly open up and show more of myself each passing week . I am so grateful I was able to put some work in at a church garden and step onto a farm for the first time .
Supported the facilitation of BCFSN ' s " Train the Trainer " Soil to Sanctuary online class that was conducted weekly on zoom to multiple churches across the country
Arranged meetings with churches that are members of BCFSN , researched and assessed their readiness to enter our Soil to Sanctuary program
Traveled to the Greensboro , NC area with BCFSN staff and helped facilitate presentations to church leaders , Black farmers and community organizers to promote the growth of BCFSN ' s programs in the area
13
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