[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text letter_spacing=””]Wow, six whole days fly by in an instant! While on other days we have been working in more urban environments, we decided to mix it up today by driving out to Forgotten Harvest’s 100+ acre farm. Once there, we were given instructions on how to properly harvest kale, a plant rich in nutrients and known for combatting the negative effects of lead in the body, and how it would be sent to the citizens of Flint, Michigan, whom it would help specifically.
For starters I just want to point out how well thought out Forgotten Harvest’s programs are and how the idea of an ethical leader I joined SStS to learn about is present even in their farms. Forgotten Harvest took the time to become aware of the problems communities around them faced and educated themselves about it so that they could make the best possible impact on those in need. One of the key things about SStS is that by learning about Detroit, we will better understand the situation its residents are faced with in order to provide them with support and service that will actually make a difference. By planting kale, not only is Forgotten Harvest growing a nutrient rich food for people who would otherwise not receive such supplements, but they are providing them with kale specifically to help them combat the side effects of lead poisoning. One last thing I thought about whilst working at the farm was the amount of work it takes to put a single plate of food on the table. I knew that fruits and vegetables came from farms, but I did not really comprehend the vast amounts in which the food was produced. In the four hours I worked there, I barely finished harvesting half a row of kale, not to mention there were tons of rows in one of many fields. To think that every year Forgotten Harvest harvests one million pounds of food blows my mind. I have reflected and realized how lucky I am to be able to obtain these kinds of foods so easily, and I have become ever more so grateful of the hard workers that plant, harvest, package, and deliver those foods to me. – Paco
Today, we went to Forgotten Harvest’s farm where they harvest all sorts of vegetables for any people who cannot afford to buy their own meal. This was significant to me because we got to give these people fresh food compared to almost expired food that we repackaged yesterday. We only picked kale because it was going to the citizens of Flint, MI. This is important because of how there is lead in their water and they can only drink bottled water. Kale can help extract some lead that is in their body from the contaminated water.
When I was harvesting the kale, all I thought about was how I was helping and the story in Flint, MI., how one person who tried to cut out one expense for treating water can harm and affect a whole town, all of the young people that have permanent disorders from the lead, and how it might take decades for the tab water to get fixed. We helped them today, by simply harvesting kale. Yet, this might not seem like much, but it seemed to me like I was doing something productive to help the citizens in Flint.
As we wrap up our week of service, I feel like I have accomplished my goal of helping as many people as possible while having fun. Yet, there were some tough times that needed some perseverance, but we accomplished our goal and will reflect on the week positively. – Mason[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]