Reflection

Reflection

When I learned the theme was Connections to Nature, I thought about the way I spend time outside: walking in my neighborhood, gardening, playing badminton, reading. When I read about the sub-theme of generational knowledge, I knew my topic would be gardening. Gardening not only provides a peaceful respite from my busy life, but a connection to my family. My uncle was an avid gardener. I had spent countless hours of my childhood choosing seeds with him at the garden center. We would plant seedlings and I would water the plants with him all summer. I loved to eat the peas right from the pods and the cherry tomatoes. My uncle passed away unexpectedly three years ago. My family still maintains his garden, which was his pride and joy, and it serves as a tangible connection to him. Gardening also plays into a cause about which I am passionate: food insecurity. I had become involved with food insecurity when I was in eighth grade. I have celiac, which means I can’t eat foods containing gluten, such as wheat. I noticed during a school food drive that almost nothing being donated was gluten free. I partnered with a local food pantry, Island Harvest, and created an organization called AnnaBelle’s Pantry where I run food drives specifically for gluten free foods and solicit donations from companies that manufacture gluten free foods. In my partnership with Island Harvest, I learned that it is often difficult to get fresh fruits and vegetables for their food pantry locations. Island Harvest has a nearby community garden to help fill this need. It’s an opportunity for people to work together outdoors for a common good and I hope this song inspires others to get involved in their communities.