The Power of Sharing: A Garden Encounter Inspires Hope
by Graham Cromwell
In a world where food security is a big deal, sometimes a random encounter can remind us of the power of grassroots change. Picture this: My wife was happily plucking herbs from our garden for dinner when, out of the blue, a surprise visitor knocked on our door. Little did I know that a simple act of kindness would kickstart a spark of hope and reaffirm the importance of my work in food security.
So, there I was, minding my own business, when a familiar face greeted me at the door. This person was holding a bowl filled with a stunning assortment of fresh greens. With a warm smile, they asked if we needed anything from their garden surplus, as they were off to share the extra produce with our neighbors along the street. Intrigued and grateful, I paused for a second and said, “Hold on, let me ask Kris if she needs anything for dinner tonight.”
With excitement, I called my wife in from the garden to join the conversation. Her eyes widened as she saw the vibrant greens in the bowl. She asked which ones would complement her homemade sauce, then picked out a few handfuls. With heartfelt appreciation, she added some extra greens from our own garden, making sure our visitor had more to share down the street.
In that very moment, as we exchanged this simple act of sharing and caring, I realized the true significance of this encounter. Working in food security had already made me aware of the importance of community support and collaboration, but this small interaction became a sparked something in my mind. This showcased the potential for genuine grassroots change.
In this work it’s easy to get caught up in the grand scale of systemic issues that plague our world. But this encounter reminded me that transformative change can begin with the simplest acts of kindness. Who would have thought that sharing surplus produce from a garden could be such a powerful catalyst for connection, empathy, and a deeper sense of community?
As someone working in food security, this encounter served as a gentle reminder of the impact our work can have. It was a testament to the resilience and spirit of my community—a community with a new energy and passion for positive change. It gave me hope that our collective efforts, combined with the endeavors of countless others, are steadily making a real difference.
So, as we continue this journey, let’s keep in mind that even the tiniest actions can foster profound connections and inspire others to join our cause. Together, we can cultivate a future where food security is no longer just a dream but a shared reality. Let this encounter be a source of inspiration that fuels our efforts, empowers us, and creates lasting change within our communities.
Graham Cromwell (He/Him)
Closer to Fed Project Intern
Graham Cromwell, from Weymouth Nova Scotia, is a former Youth Intern at Turning the Tide. He is back this summer to take on the Closer to Fed project where he is working on food security in the Digby area. He recently graduated from University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, minor in Entrepreneurship, which, in conjunction with his previous experience at Turning the Tide gave him a great background when looking at the work this summer. He said that he learned a lot about getting things started, failing quickly and pivoting, which are all very important when it comes to this work.
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