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Somehow, I found the perfect job. I got a summer Americorps VISTA position working as the Business and Outreach Coordinator for Real Food Farm, an urban agriculture project in Northeast Baltimore. Still in its first year of operation, the farm is working to solve food access and insecurity by growing food in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable way.
I worked to establish a marketing campaign, enable customers to spend Food Stamp benefits at our produce stands, and draft a business plan. I also spent some time working on the farm and at the neighborhood produce markets.
For me, this was the perfect way to transition. I was able to make use of valuable Peace Corps experience with organizational development and planning, business development, and community needs assessments. I met some really interesting and dedicated people involved in many different aspects of Baltimore’s betterment, and I got to eat some fresh fruits and vegetables along the way.
I will remain involved with the farm to some degree for a while, even though my summer position technically ended in the middle of August. I’m still working on finalizing a business plan and some record-keeping systems. When I get the chance, I like to support the neighborhood markets, where Real Food Farm offers affordable produce in areas where fresh food is scarce. I believe in the goals of the farm, and the people have given me a very friendly introduction to this new place.
Here’s an article featuring Real Food Farm and others in Baltimore: Baltimore seeds city farms as path to sustainability, jobs
