From January 26-27, the Urban Education and Outreach interns were at a Holiday Inn outside Syracuse NY, exploring the joys of NOFA. In addition to presenting the B.L.A.S.T Healthy Food Choices workshop to two groups, one ages 3-12 and another for teenagers, each Food Project youth attended an afternoon and morning workshop. Topics ranged from converting a Vermont farm to run entirely on vegetable oil, to raising organic beef cattle in upstate New York.

We also browsed the numerous stalls displaying equal exchange chocolate, homemade soap, organic potatoes and more. We formed new connections with other organic farming initiatives, and had the opportunity for great conversations at two complimentary meals during the day. Overall it was a very inspiring atmosphere, as everyone there shared a common hope for the future improvement of this country through food and farming. The interns slept well on the drive home, with pleasant thoughts of organic matter, flannel shirts, and homegrown meat filling their dreams.