“We always had to self-censor and be careful what we say publicly. I’m happy to have speech and spiritual freedom here in the United States.” In her birth country, she was an English teacher. She married a colleague, an English teacher, and a United States citizen. They returned stateside about 16 years ago. She cites the pandemic as her final motivation to farm.
Twenty years ago, when she was studying International Business, Erin couldn’t have imagined that she’d eventually become a poet farmer in Arkansas. Life can be twisty that way. With two young children, her MFA coursework, and the CAFF Farm School all simultaneously, it’s surprising that Erin has time to think. She was happy to find other artists and even a fellow poet in her cohort at the CAFF Farm School. She’s also learned about many different farms run by artists and writers who farm in the mornings and create in the afternoon.
Tamie finds many life applications and teachable moments in farming. It instills a sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment. “Being a female veteran, I’m empowered by my experiences in the Navy. Farming provides that same feeling of accomplishment and empowerment. I’d love to share that with others in the future. Especially children in crisis.
Lucy, a Springdale resident, is on a mission to combat these alarming statistics through nutrition and farming. Rather than selling her harvest, Lucy donates it to her local Marshallese community. She also shares pre-diabetic information, cooking tips, and farming knowledge. The farming tips are helpful since the RMI growing environment is very different from Arkansas. This presents a challenge for those trying to grow their native crops here and prepare familiar dishes after relocating. The Marshallese community in Arkansas has the disease at a shockingly higher rate of 40% compared to only 15% in the state’s general population.
Basia loves being outdoors and cooking healthy food. “I was never one of those people who knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I’m still figuring that out, but farming brings together many things I love doing.” The program has given her an opportunity to explore options for building a business around her various interests.
Melanee, a military veteran, enrolled in the CAFF Farm School to develop an urban micro-farm on an under utilized half-acre on her school’s property. The project, dubbed Hide and Seek Farm, will provide learning opportunities for her young charges and nutritious food for school meals. The school currently serves organic food and places a standard grocery order each week. Melanee hopes to grow much of the school’s food in the future.
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