ELLENA BAUM

FOOD AND FARM EDUCATOR

- Andrew Egan

Getting farm-fresh fruits and vegetables isn’t always easy. Not all families live close to farms or have space they can use for a garden. Not all families own cars. And some families cannot afford to buy directly from local farmers. Fortunately, one organization in Massachusetts, Grow Food Northampton, is working to bring fresh produce from local farmers to more people. Ellena Baum works at Grow Food Northampton. Let’s hear about what she does.

YOU ARE A FOOD AND FARM EDUCATOR. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

I get to connect with hundreds of students and teach them about food, farming, and cooking. In fall, students come to our community farm in Florence, Massachusetts, for field trips. In the winter, I go to all of the public elementary schools in Northampton and make fresh recipes with local ingredients. In December 2018, we made 700 kale salads! Lots of students love it. Some told me that it was the best salad they ever had. Students bring home recipe cards to their families so that they can make the recipes at home.

SO YOU TEACH KIDS, GROW FOOD, AND BRING FOOD TO PEOPLE?

We do so many things! We get food to a lot of people in different ways. Our programs work with senior centers and local neighborhoods. When we go to these places, we sell organic, high-quality food for cheaper prices than what you would normally find in the store.

HOW DID GROW FOOD NORTHAMPTON START?