Supporting local farmers is one of the advantages that inspire me the most. When purchasing local producers, we are not just purchasing food but investing in the preservation of farmland and ensuring that farms can continue to thrive in today's challenging economy. Two weeks ago, I was in Oxnard, California, which is known for its strawberry picking. A friend of mine, who is local to Oxnard, took me to her favorite produce stand on the side of the road, where I spoke to the owner, and tried to assist her with some information regarding access to oral care for individuals without insurance (which makes up most of the farmworker community in Oxnard). We purchased strawberries, and the following day we shared it with people from a campus organization we are part of. The aspect of knowing that when you buy locally, you are directly impacting the livelihood of people in your community is rewarding.
The access to dependable fresh food also drives my inspiration. I got involved with the organization UCLA Farmers Market through another friend of mine (you can find them on Instagram @uclafarmersmarket). This organization focuses on promoting food security and sustainability on our own campus. This inspires me because access to quality food and fresh ingredients should be easily accessible, and I am proud that this can happen within our school, and that there is a place where college students can find quality food easily available (near Ackerman, right in the middle of UCLA!) .
Through these experiences, I have also realized that local food systems serve as a source of education for many people. Interacting with local farmers has allowed me to understand seasonality, and how we should try to eat and pick food with the seasons. I have also learned new ways of cooking and preparing food. These are also advantages to local food systems that inspire me in my journey since they contribute to creating better eating habits and raising awareness about the food grown on our land. Supporting local farmers helps individuals learn by interacting with people, and it raises awareness about the source of food, contributing to a more sustainable life.
The access to dependable fresh food also drives my inspiration. I got involved with the organization UCLA Farmers Market through another friend of mine (you can find them on Instagram @uclafarmersmarket). This organization focuses on promoting food security and sustainability on our own campus. This inspires me because access to quality food and fresh ingredients should be easily accessible, and I am proud that this can happen within our school, and that there is a place where college students can find quality food easily available (near Ackerman, right in the middle of UCLA!) .
Through these experiences, I have also realized that local food systems serve as a source of education for many people. Interacting with local farmers has allowed me to understand seasonality, and how we should try to eat and pick food with the seasons. I have also learned new ways of cooking and preparing food. These are also advantages to local food systems that inspire me in my journey since they contribute to creating better eating habits and raising awareness about the food grown on our land. Supporting local farmers helps individuals learn by interacting with people, and it raises awareness about the source of food, contributing to a more sustainable life.