 |
| Spending some time outdoors after being snowed-in for 2 days straight |
The focus of the pilot was Growing Washington (GW), located in Whatcom County, Washington, and founded in 2003. GW was originally selected as one of the study's cases due to: 1) its rural location; 2) its length of establishment; 3) its proximity to low-income and food-insecure areas; and 4) its commitment to social, economic and environmental justice that go beyond simple market transactions.
GW is now the largest food hub in the state, serving urban markets in Seattle as well as rural areas to the north. In addition to moving vast quantities of local produce for some of the area's growers, GW also acts as a farm and business incubator, supporting individuals hoping to start their own farms as well as entrepreneurial projects, such as a local honey company.
 |
| Greenhouse at GW's Alm Hill Gardens in Everson |
Over the course of 9 days, Nicole interviewed key informants (i.e. GW managers and staff) as well as growers who supply GW (both male and female). Interviews included a variety of community development-related themes, such a respondents' individual experiences with the food hub, the food hub's impacts on the community as a whole, and the relationship between the food hub and independent women farmers in the area (a group that is considered to be historically and presently underserved).
Nicole also employed methods like participant observation, including helping GW workers harvest and prepare produce for market. Overall, the pilot study was considered to be a success!
 |
| Helping GW workers harvest leeks in Skagit |
Many thanks again to GW for their support, participation, and hospitality! If you'd like more information about GW, visit their website at: growingwashington.org
No comments:
Post a Comment