LYNN — Gubernatorial Candidate and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey visited The Food Project’s urban farm at Lynn Tech Monday morning to see the fruits of the Healthy Summer Youth Jobs Program grant.
Healey was joined by Mayor Jared Nicholson, state Sen. Brendan Crighton, Reps. Dan Cahill and Peter Capano, and Ward 5 Councilor Dianne Chakoutis.
Youth Farmers Neve Sheckells and Precious Akande guided the politicians around the Blossom Street garden, showing them the variety of fruits and vegetables they are growing, their irrigation system, and an archway that some of the youth workers built from nearby trees.
The Healthy Summer Youth Jobs Program, organized by Healey’s office, helps to fund the urban garden, giving young people the opportunity to learn about agriculture, food systems, and community outreach.
The urban farm is maintained by youth workers from The Food Project as well as 26 other community members who have their own plots to grow. Food from The Food Project’s harvests are sold at the Lynn farmers’ markets.
Sheckells said she has gained both practical skills and a respect for nature through the program.
“It reinstills a kind of appreciation for the land you forgot you had. It’s something that, for me, it brings me back to childhood when you’d get lost in the woods or something,” she said. “So much appreciation and beauty for the land that you’re on and the reciprocity the two of [us] have.”
After the tour, the politicians and around 15 youth farmers gathered to ask one another questions, with topics ranging from concerns about gentrification to how the city can best serve people facing food insecurity.
Healey said that she was inspired by the young people who work on this farm.
“This is what it’s all about.… they are so smart, they are so on it. They are paying attention and they are demanding leadership from their elected officials. I’m inspired by them, I’m inspired by their enthusiasm, and really their urgency. Whether it’s addressing issues of food and housing insecurity or climate … it’s really great to listen to them.”
Nicholson echoed Healey’s sentiments, saying, “It’s been great to spend the day with members from The Food Project.… They do great work creating nourishment from the land here at Lynn Tech, teaching students and participants … [they’re] just a key part of the ecosystem we have here in the city that’s focused on food security and tackling hunger.”
“I feel like it’s quite gratifying to feel that the work you’re doing is being validated,” said Mariana Kaulbach, another youth farmer. “We get a good amount of funding from the Attorney General’s Office and I feel like there is occasionally a sense of people not really knowing what they’re doing and not seeing the value. As much as the donations matter, it’s great when those donations come with an appreciation and understanding of the work we do.”
Emma Fringuelli can be reached at [email protected].