My name is Taylor Copeland, and I’m one of GCG’s business and marketing interns for the summer! I’m currently an undergraduate student at Penn State, majoring in Community and Economic Development, with a minor in Environmental Inquiry, and a specialization in Architecture. I am a native of Somerville, MA, so I was very excited to find this internship opportunity so close to home.
The Green City Grower’s Education Program and Services is something that really hits home for me. Growing up in Somerville, MA, I had very little educational background on topics such as agriculture, or more specifically, urban gardening and farming. I was really drawn to the fact that Green City Growers offers services that teach children how to plant and harvest, but more importantly, helps them understand where the food they are eating comes from. When I attended public school here in Somerville, I never dared to question where the cafeteria food originated from, or what the process was to get the food on my lunch tray. I imagine my peers and I to have developed very different eating habits had we been more educated, and especially if we were able to grow our own food or watch the organic process happen.
Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to go out with Adrienne, one of the horticultural farmers here at Green City Growers, and observe what a typical day as a grower is like. Our experience at Dedham Country Day School substantiated my assumptions of the educational services program.
When we arrived, the first group of fourth graders piled out of the side entrance and rushed over to the raised beds, eager to get started. Adrienne explained to them the process of harvesting, and which plants were ready to be picked. The fourth graders started taking turns picking kale and radishes. What surprised me the most was how open they were to trying the veggies. When Adrienne asked the group who wanted to try a radish, every single hand shot up simultaneous with a bunch of “me, me, me”, and “I do”. I was pretty surprised; I am not so sure I would have tried a radish at age nine or ten, myself. The difference between a ten-year-old Taylor and the ten year olds at Dedham Country Day is that these children had planted and harvested the radishes themselves. When a few people started to raise their hands, it only took a few seconds for everyone to take the plunge. I have no doubt that there is something special about being able to grow your own food and then consume it. I couldn’t help but think that if this program was implemented more, than children would be much more conscious about what they eat, as well as have a deeper sense of gratification as they put effort into the production. Not only did I get to learn some valuable lessons about planting and harvesting, but I also got to experience something that I wish I had access to at an earlier age.
I am so grateful for this program existing today, because I know that by reaching out to people at such an early age, we are taking a big step toward a more healthy and sustainable future. This to me is what makes Green City Growers so unique and worthy of being part of. GCG is making a difference in a local sense, no doubt. But all of those educated in the process whether it be a business, a private home owner, an elder, or a community, can take what they have learned and spread their knowledge on a much larger scale. I am very excited to be a part of the Green City Growers team this summer, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store!
Check Out This Video I Made While Shadowing Adrienne at Dedham Country Day!
