Name: Emily Neiman

Title: Grow Local Program Coordinator

Company: Sustainable Food Center

What do you do and what are some of your job responsibilities?

I work with all ages from kids to adults giving them information on how to grow their own food, resources like vegetable seeds and compost, and encouraging them to share their harvests with family, friends, neighbors, and their community. Some of my responsibilities include: -helping gardeners track how much food is grown so we can use these numbers when we’re writing grants so they know what kind of an impact we are having. –coordinating workshops and trainings on all sorts of topics such as Composting with Worms, Edible Wild Plants, and How to Start a School Garden. –leading groups of volunteers at community garden workdays, and on projects in the office. –doing outreach and making sure people know about our services.

How did you find your current job?

I believe everyone should be able to eat healthy food because it tastes better! There is a huge difference in the flavor and nutrients available in home-grown local foods and conventional foods from the grocery store. After I was out of my parents’ house, I found out that the really good fruits and vegetables can be pretty expensive and hard to find. So, I started finding out ways how I can produce them myself. I found this job posting online after I graduated college.

Did you learn any of your skills from school?

Most important, I learned how to access information.

What would you tell a girl that was interested in doing what you do?

Don’t be afraid to get your nails dirty!

What are some of your hobbies?

I have a horse and 15 chickens (each lay one egg a day!) that I like to spend time with. I also like to go camping and explore wild places like creek beds and mountains for native blackberries, agarita berries, and other yummy snacks.

What is your favorite website?

www.edibleschoolyard.org

If you could talk to you when you were 12 years old, what advice would you give yourself?

Try new things & Learn as much as you can about whatever you like doing. Most likely there’s a future in it.