By: Elizabeth Stahl, IFFS Communication Intern
Continuing to expand my knowledge of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, I learned food banks and food rescue organizations are quite similar. As you may remember from my previous blog post, I have a connection to MANNA Food Bank which works hand-in-hand with the Plant A Row program and community distribution programs. So not only does food banking accumulate warehouse goods, but they also work with fresh produce for different agencies. Food rescue organizations, like the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, deal with food rescue and garden-fresh produce as well as distribution around the community. Both organizations are dedicated to fighting hunger!
Recently I ventured to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle farm and learned about the organic farming methods they employ. Not only is Steven Horton, assistant farm manager, hard at work on the farm but chickens and worms put in their fair share as well! Known as the official “worm doctor,” Steven is dedicated to making the farm successful, “I’d like to educate more people on our growing methods a lot of people think that organic farming is like going back to the 18th century, and it's not.” Employing worms to create nutritious, rich fertilizer, utilizing worm-castings ensures delicious vegetables!
After a morning of hard work, I put the “worm doctor” to the test and asked him a few questions.
1. If you could be any vegetable which one would you be and why?
-I would be a bean because they are the most pervasive they will climb up anything and take over anything.
2. What is one type of food you simply could not live without?
-Any kind of berry- strawberries, blackberries, and mulberries- they grow in the wild and are easy to pick.
3. Is there anything other than working on the farm that you do to fight hunger?
-I work with Crop Mob, an organization of young farmers that wanted to help each other. They meet and work during the day and then share a meal together, all on sustainable farms. I also read about farming and new farming methods.
4. Which is more important: the chickens or the worms?
-The worms because they provide really high quality, organic fertilizer they helps make the soil healthy for years to come. They can feed the chickens and the hungry! They make growing plants a lot easier!
5. What is something you are most proud of?
-I am proud of where I am at now in my life. I am proud that I have an open mind and respect my own beliefs but at the same time being open to others beliefs.
8. What is the most important meal of the day and why?
-Breakfast because it keeps you going until lunch!
9. What is something you wish more people did?
-Stop complaining and start doing! 
Special thanks to Steven and his hard work on the farm! Without his dedication, the farm would not be able to provide seeding transplants for other IFFS farms or grow nutritious produce for the IFFS agencies! Look for more Friday Full of Fun next week!