Ingrid Fosberg, General Farm Intern, Public Health-Global Health Major
I love public health. In my last quarter as an undergraduate, I reflect fondly on my course of study and eagerly anticipate a career at the intersection of science and social justice. Given my aspirations, some may question why I choose to spend precious weeks right before jumping into the job market and researching graduate schools outside, growing food, and getting dirty. Truthfully, after being introduced to the farm by the illustrious Dr. Eli Wheat via the aptly-titled “Urban Farm” class, I was hooked. Luckily, I’ve discovered that public health is abundant in urban farming, so long as you know where to look.
Perhaps the most obvious connection to health is that farming can be an excellent source of physical activity. Whether we’re hauling wheelbarrows of mulch, cleaning and repairing tools, laying huge black tarps and securing them with rocks to terminate cover crop, or manually shaping beds to prepare for spring planting, there’s plenty of strenuous work to be done for winter farmers. I’ve found farm shifts to be excellent way to get outside and get my heart rate up, which is undoubtedly good for my health
Food insecurity also falls roundly into the realm of both public health and urban agriculture. Access to affordable and nutritious food is a fundamental social determinant of health. The UW Farm’s contributions to the UW Food Pantry is just one way that the farm helps to alleviate food insecurity in the community. It’s helped me better understand the potential for urban agriculture to help fill gaps in food access across other communities.
This quarter, in addition to field work (my favorite), I get to help move the farm closer to the opening of the upcoming outdoor Cultural Kitchen. This new structure will sit on the edge of the main farm site at the Center for Urban Horticulture, where it will boost engagement with community groups and support educational endeavors. I’ve been working closely with Perry (farm manager), UW Environmental Health & Safety, and a few friendly farmers who’ve been down this path before and have their own outdoor setups. As it happens, there’s plenty of public health for me to nerd out about with all sorts of food safety regulations and physical specifications designed to keep folks healthy. More broadly, in public health we know that community and cultural connectedness are also key to good mental and physical health. I’m really excited about the potential for the kitchen to bolster the farm’s contribution to the health of students and community members alike, and thrilled that I’ve found a new application of a topic I care deeply about.
Celebrating Black History Month:
Black Women Farmers
Jamila Norman and Eva Dickerson
The first episode of the Seeds Of Resilience series featuring :two women black farmer voices Jamila Norman of Patchwork City Farms and Eva Dickerson of Thomasville Heights Elementary. Each women discusses the longevity of Black women farmers in metro Atlanta and embodying the student-teacher relationship.
News and Noteworthy:
Farm and Sea Trade Conference
Date: Monday, February 27, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Location: Block 41 | 115 Bell Street Seattle, WA 98121
Lunch by That Brown Girl Cooks! Catering
Enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients from Puget Sound Food Hub and wild caught salmon from Duna Fisheries. Lunch created by critically acclaimed local chef Kristi Brown and her talented team.
Trade Networking
Meet, mingle and make lasting business connections to enrich your network.
Panels & Presentations
Hear from industry leaders about local advances and new projects in processing, wholesale, land access, labor, and more.
Happy Hour Tasting Event
Come taste the bounty of the PNW with local cheese, snacks, bread, desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, flavorful condiments, and seafood.
Registration deadline: February 15
Partners: Seattle Good Business Network is hosting this event in partnership with Tilth Alliance and with funding in part from King Conservation District.
Career Opportunities in Agriculture & Food Systems:
The UW Farm donates regularly to the UW Food Pantry. During peak season we also donate to nearby food banks. The links below are resources to help you or someone you know with food access.
Every year, we have the capacity to grow more food and increase our educational and research program at the UW, but not without your support. Every contribution goes to work immediately, helping us better serve students. Your support can sustain our momentum and help seed new opportunities for student internships, academic work, and future growth. Please consider making a gift to the Farm online
The Weekly Dirt is produced once a week by the University of Washington Farm, a program of the UW Botanic Gardens, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment. It is published nearly year-round for educational purposes and the majority of the content is written or contributed by students and farm staff.
This issue's contributors:
Around the Farm: Ingrid Fosberg, General Farm Intern, Public Health-Global Health Major Editors: Perry Acworth, Farm Manager and Chrina Munn, AmeriCorps Volunteer 2022-23 Photo Credits: Perry Acworth. Other photos retrieved from the internet and noted in sections
Luckily, I’ve discovered that public health is abundant in urban farming, so long as you know where to look. 
It’s helped me better understand the potential for urban agriculture to help fill gaps in food access across other communities. 
