What do we do all day? (Volunteering)

November 30, 2011


Volunteering with Growing Hope's Seed 2 Plate

     As many of you know, this summer I worked with a local nonprofit organization focused on urban gardening and community access to fresh foods.  Part of my job was to help high school students to lead a nutrition education program called Summer Seed 2 Plate.  This fall, Esme and I have been going to a local middle school to volunteer with the Seed 2 Plate program there.

     Last week's task was to split the group into two and have one group learn about the new food plate that replaces the old food pyramid that we all learn about in school.  The middle school students were, unsurprisingly, surprised to learn that the largest portion on the plate was not meat, but vegetables.





 Meanwhile, in the other room, students were busy cutting three kinds of apples, measuring ingredients like honey and cinnamon, and cooking up fresh applesauce in electric skillets.  They were amazed at how good their fresh applesauce tasted.  And I was impressed that every group chose to leave the skins on.

     Esme, as you've no doubt noticed, was sleepy all afternoon.  She totally sacked out for a while, and it never ceases to amaze me how much heavier a completely limp baby is than an awake one.  After carrying her in the same position for almost two hours, my left bicep was almost twitching.  (Yes, I thought about changing positions, but I was tasked with taking pictures, and it's much easier to manipulate most cameras with your right hand.  Plus, I'm right handed.  Not sure about Esme yet.  Her mom's left handed and her dad's right handed.)

     All in all, it was another successful outing.  And Esme continued to amaze people with her inherent cuteness, pleasant demeanor, and awe-inspiring smiles.  Thanks Christina, for inviting us!  We'll see you again, soon.