Fellow Kristin Caddick Combines her Passion for Nature and Art

Jamie Kirk Hahn
Jul 28, 2017 · 2 min read

By: Kristin Caddick

When I tell people I am working with Raleigh City Farm, most assume that I am planting seeds, turning the compost, or driving a tractor. Although these things do usually constitute the quintessential farm experience and America’s agricultural practices, my fellowship experience thus far has presented drastically different tasks that have challenged my own notion of agriculture.

The joys and trials of working for a grassroots organization have expanded my own capacity for growth this summer. For the first time, I am sitting on the administrative side of things. I have become more knowledgeable about the level of food insecurity plaguing North Carolina and the policies surrounding it. My mind constantly swirls around partnership possibilities between the farm and other businesses in order to close this gap. Similar to how our friends at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation are committed to healthier communities and lasting change, the farm is committed to growing the next generation of farmers. Because of BCBSNC, my position as a 2017 fellow exists and I can proudly support both organization’s mission during my time as a fellow.

Often, I can be found in a local coffee shop engorging myself on a chocolate croissant while producing content for the the farm. For example, I am currently on the hunt for a matching sponsor for our community pavilion’s Help Us Build campaign. Following this, I will be fleshing out the farm’s advocacy plan and organizing corporate files. From looking up rental rates for mini-piglets to securing two-hundred chocolate bars from Videri, my work is far from routine.

My passion for nature and the arts are perfectly combined through the farm’s summer movie series. Our first movie kicked off with a great turn out, a picturesque sunset, and delicious lettuce wraps. Coming up on August 25th, we will be screening the acclaimed documentary, Growing Cities. The small scale, yet large aspirations of Raleigh City Farm has allowed me to tailor my work experience.

Friends of the farm have welcomed me with open arms and I have the utmost appreciation for each person it takes to run this operation. By the end of my time with Raleigh City Farm, I hope individuals from all walks of life will feel invited to the conversation surrounding food security. With the framework for the summer movie series in place, I hope it will become an annual tradition.

Additionally, I am eager for the Help Us Build campaign to come into fruition and the community pavilion to become a welcome mat for the farm. I have felt most connected to the triangle community because of the fellowship and my deepest gratitude goes to each individual who played a part in making this possible.

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Inspired by the legacy of Jamie Kirk Hahn, we empower emerging leaders to spark change in their community and state. www.jamiekirkhahnfoundation.org

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