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Like Daughter, Like Mother

by · May 3rd, 2010
On The Web

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A lot of the work I have been doing for my AmeriCorps VISTA placement with Hazon (in partnership with Just Food) is involvement with Hazon’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program. There are more than 40 Hazon CSA’s throughout the country, out of those, I am responsible for supporting the 8 New York CSAs. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job has been helping to start up 3 new ones here in New York, one of which was started by my very own Mother.

Over the past couple of years my parents have tolerated my endless blabbing about food justice and my “back to the land” mentality. Initially, they found it amusing, even calling me Farmer Brooke. As time went on, I think they began to realize how serious and passionate I truly was about changing our food system. I saw my mom starting to become more intrigued with the information I was throwing at her and consequently, shopping at the farmer’s market became her routine every Saturday. When she learned about the CSA program through Hazon, she immediately jumped on the chance to start one at the synagogue I grew up in.

On top of having a full time job and being a full time mom, setting up this CSA has taken a ton of work on her part, including investing time to come to the Hazon Food Conference in California. Even when the project was on the brink of falling through, my mom continued to push for it without hesitation. I was blown away at the first CSA meeting as I listened to her defend sustainable agriculture as if she had been a part of this movement for years. And, to top it all off, the farmer they’ve partnered with at the CSA at Congregation Sons of Israel is someone I grew up with who now runs Stonewall Vegetables! It is always fun to connect with Jewish Farmers, particularly those from the community.

briarcliffFarm

Both my parents have continued to strongly support me in the work I do which so deeply embodies my values. It’s a wonderful feeling to finally be able to share with my mom the same support and sense of community she has raised me with. I couldn’t be more proud of her. Happy Mother’s Day!

To learn more about the Hazon CSA program and how you can start one in your own community click here.

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8 Responses to “Like Daughter, Like Mother”

  1. Aviva Says:
    May 4th, 2010 at 10:01 am

    That’s so wonderful! To inspire a mother is quite the accomplishment. And to have her inspire you in return! wow.
    My mom politely supports my social justice passions, but isn’t necessarily committed to them herself. This gives me hope that perhaps in time this will change! And if not, I can accept what is too!

  2. Brooke's Mom Says:
    May 4th, 2010 at 10:11 am

    Thank you for writing this wonderful article. What a great mother’s day gift. It’s never too late to learn from our children!

  3. Emily M Sack Says:
    May 4th, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    Dear Brooke and Sharon,

    Go girls! I am so moved by your (Brooke’s) tribute to your mother, and by your (Sharon’s)willingness to learn from your obviously very intelligent and dedicated daughter. With all the difficult to hear news our there, I am delighted to hear truly good, local news. Way to go!

    Hooray for you both, and for sustainability, food justice and local activism. The CSA is one of the best examples of thinking globally and acting locally.

    Thank you both.

    Emily

  4. resa mestel Says:
    May 4th, 2010 at 4:55 pm

    Dear Brooke and Sharon,
    Congrats! Be proud of your wonderful accomplishment and the example you have set for the rest of our community. We are looking forward to the bounty of the season knowing that we are living more responsibly and connected to our still- hanging- in -there earth.
    Thanks for including us.

    Resa

  5. Audrey Says:
    May 10th, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    Sharon and Brooke,

    We are so fortunate to have you as members of our synagogue congregation and broader community. Thank you for all you have done with determination, passion and dedication to make this happen.

    Sharon, how wonderful is it to learn from our children! And for our children to be proud of us as Brooke obviously is of you!

    Brooke, you too have made your parents very proud, and the rest of us as well!

    Can’t wait for the first harvest–

    Audrey

  6. jerri greene Says:
    June 22nd, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    How wonderful to read this article – was familiar with the one that was in Miami – don’t believe we have one in the Tampa area – going to do some checking. How wonderful to also see the picture of you, Sharon, and your daughter. I was really thrilled – gotta love fb…for putting you back in touch with people you haven’t connected with in such a long time. You both look wonderful. Love from all of us here…Cookie

  7. sharon Saias Says:
    June 22nd, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    Cookie–What a way to connect!! Been thinking about you recently–alot. Dave & I just returned from Israel –and a lot of thoughts of family! Please give me your email so I can get in contact with you!

    Love to my Aunt Shirley and your family.!!

    XXX000

  8. jerri greene Says:
    June 25th, 2010 at 11:59 am

    Hi – email is jerri@greenebuilders.net – looking forward to hearing from you. Cookie

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