2018 CIIP Program Book CIIP Booklet 2018 | Page 51

My summer could not have been spent any better than by getting my hands in the soil of
Whitelock. Being able to connect with the earth through growing food has been eye open-
ing and humbling. Connecting with the community of Reservoir Hill through the food we
have grown is inspiring and motivating. It is at the intersection of the two that I have come to
understand the importance and value behind urban farms.
Healthy fresh food is a privilege that many people in our own City of Baltimore do not have.
This problem, however, is unfortunately not widespread but seems to reflect patterns of in-
stitutional racism that has historically targeted communities of color like Reservoir Hill. Urban
farms, like Whitelock, however, are working to fight the problem of food access. As my sum-
mer went on I wanted to learn more about the impact and effectiveness of urban farms and
slowly began to learn about this through my conversations with community members. Hav-
ing neighbors come up to me and have conversations with me has been the most rewarding
aspect of my work at Whitelock. Conversations quickly turn to their love of Baltimore, of the
farm, and of the people they have met through the farm. Hearing that vehement, enthusi-
astic support of the farm coming from the people of Reservoir Hill has shown me how how
much value and love there is for the improvement of the food system and has made me feel
like a true part of the community through Whitelock.
Community Partner:
Whitelock Community Farm
Intern: Daniel Parra
Site Supervisor: Alison Worman
What is Whitelock Community Farm?
Whitelock Community Farm is a vibrant
open space that grows food and activates
community to promote social equity in the
neighborhood. We work to create educa-
tional, skill building, and leadership de-
velopment opportunities; increase access
to healthy, affordable food; foster positive
community activity; and promote dialogue
about food access, neighborhood devel-
opment, and environmental justice.
My work at the Farm Alliance of Baltimore has complemented my experience at Whitelock.
Being part of a larger, membership-based organization of urban farms has really shown
me the power behind collectivization. Beyond having more influence on policy and social
change through collective action, one of the most valuable aspects of an organization like
the Farm Alliance is support. Through my work on the Alliance’s Instagram, I have been able
to see that support network come together, and solidifying that network through updating
the website has ensured that I have left my legacy.
Whether I spent my time on a computer or amongst a row of thriving basil crop, I have
learned so much about the nonprofit world and food justice, and I am leaving with so much
enthusiasm and energy to continue this kind of community-engaged work!
• Worked as a farmhand helping to prepare beds,
seed, and weed
• Supervised volunteers
• Updated and made the Farm Alliance of Balti-
more’s website easier to use
• Helped revive the Farm Alliance of Baltimore’s
Instagram
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