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1
Local Foods Connection
In May of 2020, I was hired as a remote intern with Local Foods Connection in Grinnell. LFC's mission is to make the local food system more accessible to families with limited financial means through partnerships with local farmers.
As an intern, I wrote grants, created social media content , interviewed Grinnell farmers, and learned about the behind-the-scenes work of running a nonprofit.
This year-long internship eventually turned into a membership on LFC's Board of Directors!
2
Hmong American Farmers Association
While I was doing a virtual internship with Local Foods Connection, I also wanted to get hands-on experience with the work required to maintain an equitable, sustainable local food system.
In June 2020, I began volunteering at the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) farm with my grandpa in Hastings, MN.
Historically, Hmong farmers have led the Twin Cities local food economy, but have faced many barriers in accessing land and the market. HAFA is run by Hmong farmers, and increases opportunities to access such resources and build community wealth while enhancing community nutrition quality.
3
Eat Greater Des Moines
Eat Greater Des Moines (EGDM) is a central Iowa-based nonprofit that creates connections to strengthen local food systems and increase accessibility. To do this, EGDM focuses on food rescue, community garden support, and farmers market visibility.
As an EGDM volunteer, I contacted the coordinators of 100+ central Iowa gardens to create a database currently housed on the EGDM website.