As a sustainable development major with a concentration in agroecology and sustainable agriculture, Rebecca Brown is studying and serving our local food systems. Brown is an Honors rising junior and Chancellor’s Scholar who has been working with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA), the High Country Food Hub (Food Hub), and F.A.R.M. Cafe. Her efforts were featured in this recent May Mother’s Day Campaign from BRWIA, which includes a full profile of Brown.
Brown completed an internship with BRWIA Fall 2018-Spring 2019 semesters where she worked mostly at the Food Hub organizing and preparing online orders. She also worked at the information table at the King Farmers’ Street Market. As an intern she had the opportunity to help plan community events and train new interns. After the internship ended, Brown continued to volunteer at the Food Hub preparing online orders. Brown has worked as a volunteer at F.A.R.M. Café since Fall 2018, where she served food and informed new customers about F.A.R.M. Café’s mission.
Photo above of features the End of the Year Party for High Country Food Hub Interns & Volunteers in December 2019 with Rebecca Brown front and center. Photo by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Staff Member
Due to COVID-19 Brown has returned to her hometown of High Point but she contines to work with these organizations virtually. As she explained, “
Although I cannot be physically present in Boone, I have continued to keep up with these local organizations via social media, weekly newsletters, or texting friends within these organizations. Since COVID-19, I have been supporting these local food systems by participating in the May Mother’s Day Campaign from BRWIA and advocating for them on social media. In planning for the future, I am excited to return to Boone and volunteer with these local organizations.”
Photo above features Brown (right) with BRWIA team member Shannon Carroll and a customer working in the Food Hub. Photo by High Country Magazine.
Like many Honors students, Brown is passionate about service especially as it is related to her major. She stated,
“As an Honors student (or CS) I feel that giving back to the Boone, ASU, and the Honors College Communities is very significant and rewarding, specifically being able to advocate for and educate people about local food systems. Being in the Honors College has provided me a community of people who greatly support and encourage me to get involved with what opportunities related to my major.”
Photo above of features the End of the Year Party for High Country Food Hub Interns & Volunteers in December 2019 with Rebecca Brown front and center. Photo by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Staff Member
For Brown, getting involved with these organizations that are part of the local food system, has helped her build community. She shared,
“For Honors students I think getting involved in the local community, especially with these organizations that are part of the local food system, allows them to connect with other students and people within the Boone community. Being able to make these connections can evolve into a support system that is exactly like the Honors College community. Getting involved within the local community can be a significant educational experience and open more doors to additional learning opportunities. Ultimately, working with these organizations is a rewarding experience and can be a lot of fun!”
To get involved with BRWIA and the Food Hub, click here and look under the “Join Us” section.
To get involved with F.A.R.M. Café, click here.
Top photo of Rebecca Brown at Daffodil Spring Farm. Photo by Lauren Church.
