Seed-to-Feed

Location: 
Bladensburg, MD
Dates Of Project: 
6/2012 - 8/2012

This summer, Critical Exposure worked in Prince George’s County, Maryland, partnering with Eco City Farms and the Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center in Bladensburg. We worked with youth in the summer “Seed to Feed” program – which trained youth to be peer educators in food justice, health, and nutrition – and taught them how to use photography to advocate for improved access to fresh fruits and vegetables in their community. Students documented the progress of the community garden at the Autumn Woods apartments as well as the challenges of living in a “food desert” where they have little access to healthy food options. At the end of the program the students met with Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, Bladensburg Mayor Walter James, and members of the Prince George’s County Council. They set up an exhibit of their photos and gave the public officials a booklet of photographs and writing in which they advocated for increased city and county support for the Autumn Woods garden as well as support for new community garden initiatives in Prince George’s County. The youth will follow up with the County Executive in the fall to evaluate the increase in support.