Last year we were approached by Michaela C., a Girl Scout from Massachusetts, about an amazing project she was working on to help get fresh food to those who need it most. We asked her to tell us more about her “Sow What?” program on the blog. Never underestimate the power of a Girl Scout! Here’s her story in her own words:
“Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best.” -Juliette Gordon Low.
Michaela C., Girl Scout and creater of “Sow What?”
Nothing encapsulates my time with Girl Scouts quite like this quote by our very own founder. Beginning in kindergarten, I have completed various badges, sold a multitude of cookies, and had the opportunity to help people in so many ways. I would not be the person I am today had I not been taught how to help others and make bonds to last a lifetime in Girl Scouts. As any scout knows, the unique experiences encountered during the journey from daisy to my current rank of senior can hardly be explained. Whether it was learning how to whittle bars of soap into animals or sleeping in cabins near a hundred other scouts every year, I always learned something about myself and life. I have been exposed to so many things that I love that I would never have experienced without scouting.
The final step of Girl Scouts is to give back to the community through the Gold Award. Girl Scouts choose a topic that is meaningful to them and strive to make a difference in the world . As I approach the start of my Gold Award, I am completing my last Journey, “Sow What?”, and the Harvest Award. Sow What focuses on reconnecting people with food and educating Girl Scouts on who, how, and what goes into food production. The Harvest Award is when I chose an issue that is important to me. Healthy eating is a major topic of discussion in today’s society and eating fresh foods is stressed. When a family is struggling to afford food, fresh produce is, unfortunately, challenging to obtain at an affordable price. Additionally, gardeners and farmers can produce massive amounts of waste by not using all of their crops.
Consequently, I have chosen to connect local food pantries around my community to AmpleHarvest.org in the hopes to provide as many people as I can with every opportunity to succeed with their health. Growers in my area will have the ability to put their extras to an impactful use. My project is a three-part program; I inform the pantries, connect the gardeners, and educate the community. I believe it should be a basic human right to receive food that can maximize health. The more I can share the truth about people’s situations, the bigger impact AmpleHarvest.org will have. My goal is to teach what I have learned through “Sow What”. If I can help just one pantry or inform one person, I will be paying back to the Girl Scout community that has provided me with so much throughout my life.
