Fresh Food, Stronger Communities
“I hope to learn from these experiences to continue to grow as a social worker and be an agent of community-centered change."
Aiyana Sly serves at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) as the Farm Outreach & Programs Support Specialist. Working on the organization’s Farm Team, they build program capacity to serve neighbors through outreach and the development of processes and systems. Of their projects this year, Aiyana has been the proudest to pilot a produce giveaway program that distributes fresh food items directly to neighbors in the community. As the pilot proved successful, the team is now planning to officially launch the program in the next growing season!
Aiyana has also had the opportunity to develop a survey evaluating the impact of MOFC’s community garden in the Riverview neighborhood, gathering key suggestions to inform the initiative’s improvement. Aiyana has seen these projects as important learning opportunities.
“I hope to learn from these experiences to continue to grow as a social worker and be an agent of community-centered change,” they say.
Although serving at a large organization has sometimes proved challenging, Aiyana feels that they have gained significant insight into how to work collaboratively across multiple teams to most effectively serve the community. AmeriCorps has also allowed Aiyana to learn about the role of agriculture in food systems and food fairness. As a result, they feel their career direction has become more clearly defined.
“Before service, I really wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take with my career as social work is such a broad field,” they say. “Now, I’m finding myself very interested in existing and potential intersections of community practice with agriculture and growing.”
Following service, Aiyana plans to complete their Master of Social Work and pursue job opportunities related to community development. For those who can afford to partake in national service, Aiyana sees the experience as incredibly valuable.
“I strongly recommend service not only as a way to expose yourself to experiences and perspectives of others you may not otherwise be exposed to, but for the tangible positive impact you get the chance to make in collaboration with the community you get the privilege to serve,” they say.
Thanks for your service, Aiyana!
