It’s Julia again, blogging about my first-hand experiences! Something that is great about being a communication intern is that I get to write about all of the programs at Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Sometimes that means I get to go out and be involved in them too! Recently I spent my afternoon with the Farms and Community Gardens team by helping them canvass the surrounding neighborhoods for the new garden site out at Alliance Medical Ministry in Raleigh. We went to speak with residents in the surrounding neighborhoods to ask about their interest in the gardens and inviting them to a community forum that the Food Shuttle was holding on at Alliance Medical. At the homes I went to while we were canvassing, everyone seemed really interested in the garden and what it could bring to their community! A lot of the people that I talked to were excited to have a garden in their community and were looking forward to seeing it bring the community together in a healthy way.
According to the Food Shuttle's Farmer, Sun Butler: The community garden at Alliance Medical Ministries holds great promise and will be a focal point for increasing awareness about the importance of good nutrition and fresh local produce in our diets. If you would like to volunteer, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's Alliance Community Garden will be a rewarding and exciting experience!
Canvassing in general was a unique experience, because it’s not very common anymore. I enjoyed being able to use my outgoing, friendly personality and interpersonal communication skills (I’m glad my major at NC State is being put to good use! ) to greet these people and tell them about the Food Shuttle and our new garden. I also enjoyed spending a warm sunny afternoon with Amanda, the Farm and Gardens Nutrition Coordinator, and getting to know her better! If you want to get to know her better too, I highly recommend coming out to one of the Gardens on a Friday or Saturday and volunteering at a crew call!
The Alliance Medical Community Garden is now our 3rd community garden! To learn more about the Farm and Gardens, visit the website or our Farms and Gardens Blog.