Day Two: Farms and Markets

The students and I  headed to local organic farm "Love is Love" near Grant Park. Once there we were introduced to Robbie Astrove who taught us the importance of doing our part to ensure that plants we need don't have to fight to survive and thrive in our neighborhoods. Students pulled unnecessary weeds and grass from the beets on the organic farm. Later they picked blue berries from another sight on the farm.

 Mr. Astrove was kind enough to join us on our journey as we headed to the Local Farmers Market in Grant Park. While there, I and another group of students and peer mentors alike explored the various vendors at the market. My favorite spot was Hidden Springs Farm's organic honey. I sampled the many different varieties of honey which most of which I 'd never known about. I also had a chance to speak with  Ms Donna Lopes on camera for some inside info on her honey collecting process.  I highly recommend the Creamed Honey and not because its extra sweet, but because of the thick and rich texture that is brought out from its divine like taste.

Here are some videos of some of the people at the Farmers Market and one Peer Mentor who bought a dessert from one of the vendors:

Later I sat with Mr. Astrove to ask him a few questions about the "Love is Love" organic Farm and his work.

When you think of nature what first comes to mind?

"Well a lot things...I guess the first thing is a smile it makes me really happy to be outside in nature. I mean just the thought of nature is one thing but with the work that I do its like I experience nature.I feel nature its not just the thought or going outside and hearing the sounds, watching the birds, and feeling the wind. Its all very healing and relaxing. People that are sick, they're stressed out and this work is a like meditation. Pulling weeds right now yeah I'm sweaty, but I'm able to relax and enjoy and let my mind wander. I'm a musician and I tend to have a lot of ideas about music when I'm doing this and when you're in a state of relaxation there's nothing more blissful than that. Another thing I think about nature is this whole idea about connectivity and being connected is really deep because its about being connected with myself, my own body, and this life force energy that's around me. its also about connection to the actual world and the planet and it makes me question everything that I do, the things I buy, how much gas I put into my car, where's my food coming from, all my purchasing decisions. I think its about how I can live a life that is responsible and one that's not having a negative impact."

When it comes to your job what impact do you feel it has on students?

"Its hard to say I'm an environmental educator that's what I do for a living. Its real important to have evaluations because you wanna know that programs are successful, but its kinda hard to think or to say that okay this one program or this one day is gonna change someones life. Its about an investment or planting a seed. I think one thing I'm always aware of is that I'm still a pretty young guy and I try to leverage that to working with young people. I can teach certain information but the best thing I can do is lead by example. Here I am pulling weeds next everyone when I could easily stand above everyone and talk. its a type of work that involves a lot of activism and engagement so when young people see me doing things I'm spending a lot of energy working hard now I have results to show. Some times in the end I really don't need to say anything cause I can demonstrate what I show."

What do you think is the best or greatest part of your job?
"Its a lot of things. I mean I love being outside I get to spend a lot of time working outside. Its really healing work for me but at the same time I see something different and I hear something new about the world around me and really myself and that's a gift that I don't know if other people in other lines of work can say they get. The highlight of this type of work is the continuous education that i get. I mean today I'm working with a group of young people and I'm excited to learn from you guys."

At the end of the day, I sat down with James Blackburn, a new participant and the only student representing Langston Hughes high school, about the events of the day and his take on what he liked about it.

What was the best thing you liked about today?
"I think today it was mainly about the food and the cultivating of the organic food and you can actually taste the difference and the love that they put into the foods. It was good how it comes from the community."

What is your prospective now on Organic Farming as opposed to plants grown with pesticides?
"I actually prefer organic foods to regular foods I'd eat. You get it at the peak of its nutritional value and you can just taste a bigger difference than at the grocery store and taking that compare to a fresh picked apple and a GM [genetically manipulated] apple. there is a huge difference between organic and store bought items."

When we ate at Home Grown, a restaurant serving customers with organically grown foods, what were your impressions of it versus the food you normally eat any other day?
"I think that taste wise that you do taste the difference but its really all in how you prepare the food. Chef Kevin actually gave us tofu sloppy joe but he prepared it in such a way that you would never know. I like my 'Tojoe' as I will call it from now on, and its all in how you prepare the food because you really can't taste the difference and if its healthy its going to taste good and be good for you."