Last week, Burgess Farm hosted students from Bay Path College participating in an alternative spring break program focused on food justice. The ten program participants helped out in the greenhouse, seeding tomatoes, peppers, and chard; threshing and winnowing amaranth; and (most glamorous of all) untangling a giant ball of baling twine to be used for other projects throughout the growing season. After getting their hands dirty in the greenhouse, they bundled up and braved the cold to visit with the animals and help out with farm chores.
Back in the dining hall, the students warmed up with cocoa and tea, and then took part in the “Where’s My Burrito?” activity, illustrating the vast distances over which food travels to get to our plates. Using this activity as a jumping-off point, they discussed the implications of a global food economy and considered strategies for improving food justice and food security at both local and national levels. They also shared their individual paths that had brought them to a program about food justice, recognizing the many different skills and passions that can all come together to tackle such a huge and complex issue.
Their visit to Burgess Farm was both productive and uplifting – what an awesome way to spend a cold wintry day at the farm!
Visiting with the goats:
Holding a chicken for the first time:
Collecting eggs:
Helping out in the greenhouse:
The Bay Path mascot helped out too!
