When you're a New Yorker, it can be easy to imagine that everything West of the city is, you know, country. But the progress being made in urban agriculture in MidWestern cities can provide an example to the rest of the United States, including those of us in the five boroughs. It was the quality of the educational work at the Angelic Organics Learning Center that drew Tedd out of the corporate world and onto the farm.
When did you know that you wanted to work in food?
I have always enjoyed the outdoors and as I became more active in my local community garden, my interest in growing my own vegetables increased. My motivation to find employment within the industry came from my desire to learn more about how to grow my own fruits and vegetables and to become more knowledgeable about where my food comes from. As I learned more, I wanted to share this with others.
How did you get your current good food job?
My initial appeal to Angelic Organics Learning Center (AOLC) was the depth of work they were doing with educational programs offered at the farm. Angelic Organics Farm is one of the largest Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the Midwest. Initially I responded to an ad for an On Farm Educator position at AOLC; which eventually led to me working with our urban initiative 'Roots & Wings' in Rockford, IL. Roots & Wings is a network of youth development and urban agriculture initiatives that increases the leadership and life skills of low-income youth and adults through participatory development, hands on garden-based education and community service. This work eventually led to my current position as the Market Manager in Rockford, IL.
How did your previous work or life experience prepare you for a good food job?
My background with 15+ years in retail have given me the opportunity to be exposed to all aspects of Sales and Marketing, and over the last couple of years working with Angelic Organics as both an On Farm and Urban Farm Educator has prepared me for my new role as Market Manager. Previously I had volunteered over 5 years with "Young Life" a Christian organization that served the youth in Cabrini Green housing community. I'm actively involved in my local community garden and recently completed my certification as a Master Gardener.
What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in pursuing your Good Food Job dream?
One obstacle was making the transition from being in the corporate world to working for a non-profit organization. Another obstacle was finding the right opportunity with an organization that had the resources and the network to reach a multitude of people. Angelic Organics was the organization that met those needs. The distance from my home to the farm could have been an obstacle but I'm committed to the work they are doing both locally and regionally.
What can you identify as the greatest opportunities in food right now?
I think the biggest opportunities are within the work that can be accomplished in our urban communities. By doing this work you realize the impact that can be made socially, economically, and educationally, while providing food security through urban agriculture.
If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?
It would be time. There is never enough time to accomplish the work that needs to be done or the many things that you want to support or be involved with.