The 203rd recipient is Natasha Crawford @thebeerandthegarden of Healing Hope Urban Gardens @healinghopeurbangardens in Chesterfield, VA.
Natasha writes, “Becoming a farmer has been challenging at times but also rewarding. I have been growing food for many years but I've had to change my mindset a little in regards to planning, keeping records and the other tasks on the business side. To me, farming means freedom, joy, self reliance, resiliency, determination and community. I am greatly supported by my family, coworkers, other urban farmers here in Virginia. I have been inspired and humbled by the support that I have received from so many other people in the community that I have met in the past few months. I am reminded everyday that this work is important!
As someone who has struggled with mental health issues associated with my military service, I think self care is extremely important. Growing food has always been one of my mental outlets when I'm feeling down or need to work through my feelings. I tend to go all in and sometimes forget that I need to care for myself in order to do this work at 110%. My vision for my farm is that it is a safe space, a therapeutic space that focuses on mental, emotional and physical health by way of agricultural.”