Located in Orange, MA– only about 20 minutes from campus– Seeds of Solidarity is an easily accessible, local nonprofit.
Like many other nonprofits, the organization was started by Deb and Ricky, a couple of lovebirds who shared a passion for helping others, creating positive environmental change, and encouraging local, sustainable food growth. Ever since then, Seeds of Solidarity has been working on their own 30 acre farm as well as planting food throughout the community and teaching people how to maintain it.
They pride themselves in producing an abundance of food all year round, using hoop houses, which have been essential as they adapt to climate change (especially since it apparently snows in April now!).
While speaking in a UMass Sustainable Communities class, Deb explained that all of their food is organic, which means they do not use any pesticides or herbicides. However, she reminds students that just because something is organic, does not mean that it was grown locally or under fair labor conditions.
Deb also teaches us that the earth receives more energy from the sun in one hour than the world uses in an entire year. She encourages us to take advantage of this gift, and grow our own sustainable food.
Want to know how you can get involved? Seeds of Solidarity hosts a variety of fundraising events and is always accepting donations. This organization embodies the concept of how local change can lead to community growth. Seeds of Solidarity has worked very hard to collect grants and build positive community relationships in order to keep themselves not just alive, but thriving. If you’re interested in finding out more, check out their website at http://seedsofsolidarity.org. Just growing one plant in a pot on the window sill of your dorm room is one step in the right direction. Get out there, and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty!
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