MAP Youth Rifat visits our Farm Partners!

Journey to the Farms

- by Rifat, MAP Youth & Communication Specialist

Taylor turns the key on the truck and there is pure “Silence”. “Hmm I think the battery is dead,” said Taylor, MAP’s Mobile Market Veggie Van Coordinator. And that's how my awesome journey started. As a teen who loves long drives, I was looking forward to spending this day with Taylor. The plan was to go out to help bring in produce from three different farms, get to know the farmers and their business, take videos about their farm mission. A bonus was I got to also enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside.

As I was full of excitement, we did not have the best start-the battery of the truck was dead. I was scared that we might have to reschedule this awesome journey and I was a bit disappointed. But then again I wasn't surprised by this incident as all these little things are common at MAP as a non-profit. But no need to fear when Danielle is here. When we introduced the issue to her she drove her car near the truck, she did a ‘jump start’ and taught Taylor how to do it and explained how important it is. This was not surprising for her as this was quite frequent and the solution was easy if you know it!

Colin Erdle, from Erdle Farm

Taylor turned the keys again and “vroom vroom!!!”. Yes, I did not have to reschedule the long drive!! Then we headed out the farms, to the highway and the first thing I noticed was how wide the view is when you're in a truck compared to normal cars . It was great to have a broader view and I really enjoyed it. On the way I had really good conversations with Taylor, to give some context we talked about our favourite foods and what we like and dislike about Buffalo. I felt grateful as I got to know more about a MAP member and your job becomes much more interesting and fun when you get closer with your peers.

As we visited the farms my eyes were delighted with greenery and as a person who loves nature, I couldn't be happier. Moreover, to actually meet and speak with the owner of the farms was a whole another experience. Each of them were so cool and friendly and they happily answered my questions and appreciated my interest. For example, one of the farmers that grew berries had plastic nets covering some of the plants. My guess was maybe for the pests, the answer was “it's for the birds”. Birds have a good taste I see.

But my most favourite part of the day - I was able to film the experience, the job i love to do-my passion. I got some amazing shots and was blown away with what I captured with my camera and can't wait to edit all the footage and show the world how beautiful and awesome of an experience this was outside Buffalo today. Stay tuned for the upcoming video!