Uncategorized

Urban Seeds has had the wonderful experience of adding our first intern to our group of dedicated volunteer members this summer. She is a tremendous asset to not only us but also to our community and has been working hard to further Urban Seeds’ mission of increasing access to nourishing food for all. Please allow us to introduce her to you.

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Anazuo Ohieku-Ajanaku and I am from Lagos, Nigeria. I am a senior at the University of Evansville studying Public Health. I like to spend my time watching my favorite shows which include Grey’s Anatomy and Master Chef Australia.

How do you like Evansville and what are your impressions of this community?
It was a big shift for me because I grew up in a really big city. But I have grown to enjoy the serenity of the community. I also like how involved people in the community are in bettering the lives of everyone around. The University of Evansville also does a great job in getting students to engage with the community.

What made you decide on your area of studies?
Going into undergrad, I knew that I wanted to go to medical school after graduating. There was the obvious option which was a bachelors degree in biology or chemistry; however, I have been very passionate about public health especially since the Ebola crisis in West Africa in 2014 occurred. So, I decided to go into that area of study and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made which I think will be beneficial in my future career.

What drew you to Urban Seeds?
During one of my classes last semester Ms. Robin Mallery was a guest speaker and she spoke about Urban Seeds and what the organization did. I was quite shocked to learn that much of Evansville is an area of high food needs (formerly know of as a food desert). Like I mentioned earlier, I am very passionate about public health and access to healthy and nutritious food is a huge part of health. I am so excited to be a part of an organization that does so much.

What have you been working on with Urban Seeds?
I have been involved with the farmers market, Market on Main, every Wednesday; gathering information on the number of customers attending the market as well as what the main attractions of the market are for them. All this information will be analyzed at the end of the market season to view the progress as well as improvements for next year. Another project coming up is the new bulk food buying club and I am really excited about the upcoming meetings about that.

What are your future plans and goals?
After graduating from college I plan to take a year off to work and gain more experience as well as delve into the medical field before going back to school. I am currently working on my master’s degree in public health concurrently with my bachelor’s degree. I also hope to work with a nonprofit again in the future.

____________________________________________________________________________

We are so grateful for Anazuo’s dedication to Urban Seeds and have really enjoyed getting to know her during her hours of time spent working on our behalf. Her motivation to improving the health of the community is clear and we are certain she will go far in her career. On behalf of Urban Seeds and it’s Board of Directors: thank you for all you are doing for our community!

Read our Summer Newsletter!

• Welcome and Introductions
  • Todd Megar, Lollys Pops food truck
  • Julie McCullough, USI and Urban Seeds
  • Lori Noble, Lincoln School, EVSC
  • Helen Azarian, EVPL
  • Andrew Smith, Purdue Extension
  • Mike Rabuck, 4 Gardens Nursery
  • Va Cun, Southwest Indiana Yoga Project
  • Andrea Hays, Welborn Baptist Foundation
  • Mary Winstead, SouthWest Indiana Local Growers, Beautiful Edibles Farm
  • Serah Theuri, USI and Urban Seeds
  • Scott Massey, Heliponix
  • Lisa Myer, St. Vincent
  • Ashley Tenbarge, St. Vincent
  • Casey Williams, Purdue Extension and Urban Seeds
  • Robin Mallery, Urban Seeds

• Update on Market on Main provided—Robin and Casey
  • A Market Manger has been hired
  • Urban Seeds will manage SNAP utilization at the market
  • Working on applying to accept WIC at the market
  • Senior Vouchers acceptance is being explored as well
  • Market details provided; date, time, logistics, etc

• Website demo—Casey and Robin
  • Mapping demo’d 
    • Add “updated on” date
    • Updates noted to be done
      • Lincoln School. Verbiage: Currently enrolled students and their families
      • Independent food pantries allow increase visiting whereas United Way pantries allow once every 30 days; include in notes
      • Accepting vouchers at markets (add to spreadsheet, notes)
      • Community gardens, capture who has a stand
      • Christian Life Center, add
      • Street View and/or directions—link to mapping
  • Discussion Board demo’d
    • How to know of new topic/discussion? 
      • Alert on your phone or email with update, possible? 
      • US Newsletter 
      • Weekly post or email summarizing topics
    • 211 list as one of their community services
    • For consumer portal: Have 211 connect community re: food access
      • Lisa M has a Indy contact from 211 who will focus on SNAP recipients  

• Interactive Questions – Casey via Purdue Extension
  • Two questions w/ new, fun interactive/”up-voted” responses
    • Who needs to be part of the Food Council that is not currently involved
    • What types of speakers/educational topics would be of interest to you?
  • Info will be shared w/ ranking of responses

• Promise Zone – Julie
  • Detailed explanation of the data being collected and how it will be utilized to forward the PZ goals
    • Surveys
      • Collaboration regarding how and from whom data is being collected
      • How to make most effective use of the data collected 
    • Questions/Conversation
      • Why did the groceries close? Scott
      • Cut-Rate used to offer full-service, even extending credit, but was sold and now it’s tobacco and snacks. Lori
      • Grocery: basically sell marketing space not “product”. Todd
      • What were the specific responses to the surveys? Va
        • Julie will provide link to data
      • Larkins in the PZ. Robin
        • Will take SNAP
        • Track how many visitors even those who may not purchase. Va
      • Perhaps a redo of the 2015 study regarding viability of a downtown market/grocery could be presented. Robin, Scott
        • As downtown grows, City officials may find this appealing; Joshua Armstrong’s demographic data from EID and Downtown Alliance could support a study

Urban Seeds is excited to spend April 20 at Mesker Zoo to celebrate Earth Day at their Party for the Planet event!

We will have plants and seeds for the children attending to plant and bring home. Choices will include tomato plants, pea seeds, or cucumber seeds. Growing food is an excellent way to teach our children where our food comes from and to involve them with what is served on the table. We hope you get a chance to come see all the wonderful organizations that will be participating in the event – please come by and say hi to us!

In an interest to save resources we created an electronic link for care instructions on the plants and seeds planted. Thank you for visiting if this is why you are here! The pots that the plants are in are fully compostable. This means that when you are transplanting them you can plant the entire pot! Easy peasy! All of these plants can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into a garden. Plants will do better with a fertile soil and mulching to help retain moisture in the soil.

Tomato Plants: Put plant in a sunny location, let soil dry between watering, transplant before plant outgrows it’s current pot (roughly 6 inches tall) into well drained soil, stake plant to prevent it from falling over. Tomatoes are ready to pick when they are red and firm.

Pea Seeds: Put in a sunny location (peas prefer cool weather), keep soil moist, once plant is a few inches tall it can be transplanted to a well drained area, as it grows it can be staked. Peas are ready to pick when small and tender – they can be eaten pod and all.

Cucumber seeds: Put in a sunny, warm location and keep soil moist. Once the plant is a few inches tall it can be transplanted into a sunny area (cucumbers like heat). Keep soil moist and support vines with a trellis or by tying them up on a fence or railing.

We hope you enjoy your garden goodies! Thank you for visiting Urban Seeds!

1.30.2019 meeting notes

Attended:

Robin Mallery robinmallery@sbcglobal.net

Casey Williamswill1582@purdue.edu

Lacy Wilson wilso766@purdue.edu

Lisa Myer Lisa.myer@ascension.org

Ashley Tenbarge ashley.tenbarge@ascension.org(812) 485-4691 

Tameka Watson Tameka@tri-cap.net(812) 428-2189

Mary Winstead mary.l.winstead@gmail.com(812) 774-5616 

Va Cun va.cun@swiyp.org(812) 205-8463

Julie McCollough jmcculo@usi.edu(812) 461-5213

Len Winiger lwiniger@icloud.com(812) 204-6113 

Chris Borries ceborries@gmail.com

Allie Peach alliepeach@gmail.com(386) 290-7681 

David Brenner dbrenner@sit-co.net(812) 480-0245 

Kristi Schulz tandkschulz@gmail.com(901) 484-7218 

Blythe Battram beautisoul@gmail.com(812) 431-2696 

Andrew Smith smit3744@purdue.edu(812) 890-1667

1. Andrew Smith of Purdue Extension described his role as the Urban Ag specialist. He explained that he is a technical resource, a link/access to Purdue resources, and that there is a community-building aspect to his position. He mentioned the possibility of an Urban Ag Certificate program in2020.
2. Mary Winstead of Beautiful Edibles farm shared that there were 50 in attendance at the recent farmer-chef event at Sauced. This was a gathering of local food growers and chefs/caterers, as well as some organization leaders in the food justice genre. The event was a success in that much information was shared that will lead to a vibrant local foods system. Additional gatherings will be held in the future. 
3. Casey Williams, Community Wellness Coordinator from Purdue Extension and Robin Mallery of Urban Seeds provided an update of the large project underway with USI to build the interactive online platform. There is a data collection piece pending regarding “value/supply chain”; USI professors intended to explain this at today’s meeting but were unable to attend (weather). Robin will explore, with the USI professors, the distribution of a survey monkey email to collect input from growers, farmers market managers, educators, organizations, ahead of the next EAFC meeting.
4. Casey reminded us of the three pillars of the EAFC, which are connectivity, readiness, and education, and he raised two questions for consideration: In practice, how do we use assets more effectively in our community? Are we effectively gathering and partnering? 
5. Casey shared that the Board of Directors for the Downtown Evansville farmers’ market voted to not hold the market this year due to a significant decrease in attendance and consumer engagement. Prior to the EAFC meeting, the Access to Healthy Eating workgroup from HCP (Healthy Communities Partnerships) met and decided to bring it up at EAFC. HCP members felt that a huge gap would be left without a downtown market and desired to pursue options. This led to a robust group discussion:

• Dave Brenner of the Farm Bureau offered clarification that the market master for the past 5 years, Patti Davis, was not paid by the city, but did receive a stipend from sponsors and vendor fees.

• Lacy Wilson Community Wellness Coordinator from Purdue Extension asked when GAGE (Growth Alliance of Greater Evansville – they were the initiators of the Downtown Market many years ago) stopped their involvement in the market? Dave offered that GAGE took a step back once the board was created to run the market. He clarified that GAGE still helps, with Abby as a board member of the Farm Bureau, but they do not have governance nor do they give financial support.

• Dave also added that the venue location change from 2nd and Sycamore after the 2017 market season, due to construction on that property, greatly affected the foot traffic and general attendance at the market. 

• Kristi Schulz of Engelbrecht’s Orchard shared that in addition to venue change a competition for attendance was created by a downtown food truck lunch event on the same day, at the same time. She explained that the market fizzled out starting with some vendors pulling out because of lack of attendance and lower sales, then people stopped coming because there weren’t enough vendors to make it worth their time.

• Lacy asked how we could make the new market or other option the most valuable for farmers. Kristi said a parking lot would be great, a different day of the week (earlier in the week) would help to provide relief from a Friday versus the Saturday markets on Franklin St and in Newburgh. She continued that variety and flexibility (vendors shouldn’t be penalized for having to take a week off) would also be valuable.

• Robin said we would request a meeting with Joshua Armstrong of the Downtown Alliance, DMD, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, and possibly the Mayor’s office representative to let them know we are collectively in favor of reinstating the market at a new and improved downtown location.

• Mary suggested the consideration of a weeknight “festival” type event downtown, with the streets closed, like in Chicago, attracting market goers to also patronize the nearby restaurants and shops. This idea will be shared at the meeting with the Dowtown Alliance et. al.

• Lacy wondered if we could merge growers into First Fridays. Dave mentioned that there has been a past reluctance from HCAD to share their art/food venue.

• There was a brief discussion about possible venues: near the new IU med school, church parking lots, and also about 4th street near Goldman’s pawn shop, and along Main St. Robin said the best next step would be to speak with downtown development players.

• Robin also mentioned that the pop-up market, to serve the WIC clients, at the health department had been successful, with positive response from the farmers as well as employees from the health dept and ECHO. HCP is pursuing a repeat of that pop-up market as well as the possibility of a few others in the area for 2019.

• IMPORTANT: Kristi told us there were 32 opportunities for people to use voucher benefits from June through October of 2018, but that with downtown market gone, the number would be reduced to 12.

• Tameka Watson of Tri-Cap suggested using the parks for pop-ups or festivals, like Bayard, Garvin. She shared that there are rotating park/family events throughtou the summer, and that these venues could be a good way of connecting in neighborhoods. Ashley Tenbarge of St Vincent’s added that they could potentially follow Music in the Park.

• Robin asked Tameka how the family park events were advertised, and Tameka said through Facebook and also flyers in places like laundromats, churches, service providers.

• Len Winiger of the Master Gardeners asked what the mission of the market was… whether it was downtown attraction and a fun atmosphere/something to do, or whether it was more important to get food to people in a specific walking radius (paraphrasing). Robin said the priority of Urban Seeds, HCP and EAFC was to increase access to locally grown produce (and other nutritious food) for our neighbors while supporting the growers. However, food access with a market/fun/festival overtone is important for success.

• Mary asked what kind of message we want to send as a city. Are we pushing out farmers for more economic growth dollars? Do we want to push locally grown food to small, hip neighborhoods? No! We are committed to providing increased access to nourishing locally grown/produced foods for our community, especially those who experience food-insecurity.

• There was mention of Mayor W’s platform, “Healthier Evansville”. This is worthy of mention when we meet with the city. 

• Depending of the outcome of a meeting with city officials: 

• We may mobilize to form sub-committees
  • Robin mentioned the possibility of sending out a suggested statement for a letter writing campaign. “…partner in a vibrant market” “how can you help?”
  • Va Cun of the SWIN Yoga Project suggested a Letter to the Editor informing the public of why farmers’ markets are important to our city.

• For the meeting with the city, we clarified what our ask would be: 
  • Parking
  • High traffic area, combining foot/auto access; businesses and residential
  • Morning or evening during theweek, Tuesday or Wednesday, 8-12 or9-1
  • Pavement
  • Permanent
  • Bathrooms
  • Market master

• Robin will reach out to schedule a meeting with City officials that will include a farmer(s), organizational leaders, volunteers and a good cross representation of our interests within the community. 

• Many thanks were expressed for the deep level of engagement and information sharing. Onward! 

Our next meeting will be held in April, date TBD. Updates regarding the farmers market will be shared in the coming days/weeks.

Urban Seeds seeks a Movement Manager with demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice and the skills, passion and drive to lead the organization into the future. The Movement Manager will be tasked with leadership and pursuit of Urban Seeds’ mission and vision, managing and supporting a dedicated staff, cultivating relationships with the communities that support and are supported by Urban Seeds, and procuring resources to sustain organizational stability and growth. The Movement Manager will work directly with the Board of Directors and staff to implement our strategic plan, enhance and execute fundraising strategies, and plan and manage daily operations.

Please indicate your interest by emailing your resume and a cover letter in which an essay response to “What is your vision to diminish food insecurity in Vanderburgh County”, is addressed. The essay response itself should be no longer that one page. Our email address is urbanseeds.org@gmail.com. Interviews will be held on Monday February 4^thfrom 5 – 7 PM. You will be contacted to schedule your 30-minute interview session.

Role Qualifications

The Movement Manager will be thoroughly committed to Urban Seeds’ vision, mission, and approach. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching, and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:

• At least 3 years of management experience; track record of effectively leading outcomes-based programs
• Strong social justice orientation with an understanding of and commitment to food justice
• Experience working with and developing programs in underserved communities
• Ability to develop and implement a fundraising strategy that includes funding from diverse sources
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and demonstrated ability to use different types of data effectively to evaluate programs
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high performing teams
• Fiscal management sensibilities to ensure financial health of the organization
• Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships
• Strong understanding of marketing and public relations functions with the skills to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed

Role Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure ongoing programmatic excellence
• Oversee fundraising and development efforts with a view to diversifying Urban Seeds funding streams to support existing program operations and expand capacity to implement our strategic plan
• Sustain a positive environment at Urban Seeds by maintaining collaborative culture and cooperative working relationships within and outside of the organization
• Oversee and support the active engagement of Urban Seeds board members, project work groups, partnering organizations, funders and volunteers
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors: serve as ex-officio of each committee, seek and build board involvement with strategic direction for the organizations’ operations
• Establish consistent quality of finance, administration and human resources systems and processes needed to achieve strategic goals
• Lead, coach, develop, motivate and inspire the Urban Seeds team to achieve the organization’s mission and vision
• Ensure effective systems for rigorous program evaluation to track progress, and regularly evaluate program components, so as to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the board, funders, and other constituents
• Raise Urban Seeds’ visibility as a leader in our field of expertise and serve as the organization’s representative to all external stakeholders including but not limited to funders, organizational partners, the food industry, media, government and other agencies

Year 1 Measurable Outcomes 

• Pending grant approval, provide oversight for the community bulk buying club and the food systems online platform
• Maintain a list of local, state, and federal grant opportunities, and assist in development of grant opportunities
• Attend Monthly Board meetings and the twice/year retreats with our non-profit mentor
• Create/send monthly newsletter via MailChimp; write a weekly blog post; Daily engagement on and management of social media
• Raise $20,000

2 of the following 3 outcomes 

• Coordinate nine shop/cook on a budget demonstrations
• Integrate with three existing organizations to further to further our strategic initiatives
• Represent US at one monthly community event at which an alignment of mission is present

 

 

 

Hooray for our first emailed newsletter of 2018! We are committed to a short and sweet format and hope you will sign up to receive it directly to your inbox!