Earlier this year, I met 11 amazing, passionate souls set on the idea of creating community run farms on underutilized urban spaces. Together, without a dime to our name, we set out, arming ourselves with pitchforks and bicycles, on a mission to reconnect people with food by planting seeds of change on fallow urban spaces.
Over the course of the year, with the help of over 200 individuals, businesses and non-profits, we constructed two urban farms. Over 1700 hours of volunteer service later, these farms grew in excess of 800 pounds of food. From carrots to cabbage, from snow peas to squash, over 25 different crops spouted up on spaces less than 1/8th of an acre in the heart of the city.
Along the way, we've heard many inspiring stories and met with just as many amazing people. These stories, these people are more than just that -- they've become a part of us, our extended family, and are the sole reason we continue to do what we do.
Off the farm, I've spent many hours reflecting on the work we've accomplished. I've cried many tears, mostly of joy and inspiration, from seeing how our work has impacted countless numbers of lives.
This Thanksgiving, as I sit down for a shared meal with friends both new and old, I can't help but think about issues of food security.
According to the USDA, in 2009, over 50 million people in the United States, including 17.2 million children, lived in food insecure households. Of these families, single women with children had the highest prevalence of food insecurity.
This Thanksgiving, as I sit down for a shared meal with friends both new and old I can't help but think about health related issues in our city.
Obesity is a common issue we face in King County. In 2007, the percent of overweight adults was 34.3%, while the percent of obese adults had risen to 21.2%. Perhaps that's why diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in King County; Beacon Hill and Central District are in the top 5 areas of town that have the highest rates in the county.
This Thanksgiving, as I sit down for a shared meal with friends both new and old, I can't help but think about what Margaret Mead once wrote:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
As I sit down this Thanksgiving, I hope that you take a minute to think about how we are all connected; how collaboration is key in reaching out to one another; and how, by working hand in hand, we can help create the changes we need to ensure a prosperous, healthy future.
A traditional African philosophy reads: I am because you are.
And for that, I'm beyond thankful. What are you thinking about as you sit down this Thanksgiving?
-Sean
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