Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1507619
www.AbbysHealthFood.com | # 59| Page 27 FARM MATH FARM MATH In 2014 I drove around Hillsborough County for five months with Abby Sayler as my copilot looking for the perfect home for her legacy… Abby's Organic Community Farm. I really didn't know her well, but when you're trapped in a car several times a month… you talk. That time was so precious because I really heard her heart and got to know what she envisioned for her legacy. Most of which is now come to fruition and while I'm sad she isn't here to see it (physically), I pray she is smiling from heaven at what's been created in her name. Having said that, I can assure you there are a few things about the farm today… that we never saw coming in all of our discussions about what the farm would look like and whom we would serve. First and foremost, our volunteers are literally from all over the world! What we have learned is that growing your own food is pretty commonplace in many other countries and with our year- round growing opportunities in Florida, they are thrilled to find our oasis. We have had members from France, Brazil, Scotland, Estonia, Pakistan, England, Lebanon, Columbia, Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and probably half of the states in the U.S. Current membership includes folks from China, India, Mexico, Laos, Belgium, Dominican Republic, Philippines, Turkey, and the island nation of Dominica. The significance of this, is that we are learning to grow things that we wouldn't otherwise and the collaboration between cultures about methods and best practices is magical. Secondly, while we knew we would be serving kids, because our mission is all about education and the next generation, we never anticipated the diversity of students we would be called to serve. We have hosted students from schools and programs in the inner city (referred to often as food deserts); special needs and disabled children; along with schools, homeschool groups and civic groups (boy scout/girl scout) from all over the Tampa Metropolitan area, with some groups traveling over an hour. We were honored this year to host a group of teenagers from an urban shelter that serves migrant children that have been displaced related to legal issues involving the parents. They were from Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Columbia, and Mexico. More recently, we hosted a group of teenage girls (very young teenage girls) from a shelter locally that rescues kids that have been part of human trafficking… what a shock to realize that's going on right here. Later this summer we will be hosting teenagers from the Lighthouse for the Blind, which are teenagers losing their sight because of degenerative diseases. All I can say is WOW! When you begin something like this, you really never can anticipate the impact you will have in the community. Lastly, as many of you would know that met Abby Sayler, she was not much for fanfare or recognition and simply wanted to do her part in improving the health of individuals and educating the public about making healthy choices. However, the farm she inspired and created has had widespread acclaim, receiving awards, featured on radio and tv programs and we are regularly asked to speak at schools, civic groups, libraries, garden clubs to tell our story. Last year we were honored by a visit from Dr. Javier Vilanova from Brazil, who is working on a project addressing "food deserts" in his country. Interestingly, he had read all about our farm and was anxious to see and understand exactly how we had created our lovely farm. Similarly, we have been chosen to participate in local university symposiums charged with looking at food production and distribution issues and opportunities that are also addressing the food deserts that exist even in vibrant, populated communities. It is said "Good fortune favors the brave"! I can assure you this undertaking, Abby's Organic Community Farm, took an enormous amount of vision and courage... Abby Sayler had both in spades! The Future of Farming Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org FARM MATH FARM MATH WE NEVER SAW IT COMING! By David Housefield