Filled Needs as They Are Revealed: Taking Massive Action in Times of Distress
When feelings of distress and inspiration collide, sometimes the most impactful actions emerge. I want to share a story of one person who took decisive action when the world felt uncertain and many were overwhelmed. In 2020, the events unfolding daily in living rooms across the nation and the globe left us all in shock. One aspect that really struck cords in the hearts of many was an evening news reel that kept looping highlighting the fact that a negative side-effect of children being sent home from school without a clear return date meant that many children, particularly those from low-income families, who relied on their school free and reduced food programs for two or three meals a day were left with more uncertainty. Food insecurity in our communities hit the headlines in a big way and it became painfully clear just how dependent our culture had become on the "system" to provide basic needs to our precious youth.
As the world grappled with panic and uncertainty, my sister Nadia, the founder of Empowering Enrichment, was already taking action. The 501(c)(3) had been funding grants for Title 1 schools and similar communities to ensure access to after school enrichment programs for deserving children who would otherwise be unable to participate due to finance constraints - many of whom also participated in the vital school food programs. However, as the pandemic unfolded, Nadia realized the old model wasn’t enough to meet the emerging needs of the community. Schools were shut down, and many families were struggling to meet basic survival needs, including food access and education for their children. Nadia knew that her existing organization had to evolve. During a time when people were staying home and gatherings were rare, it became evident that we needed to go back to our roots—literally.
After consulting with many, including myself, Nadia decided to adapt to the new reality. Her vision evolved into something even more significant, expanding across communities and benefiting children, families and communities alike in ways we hadn't anticipated. Nadia saw firsthand how children were sent home, how food sources ground to a halt, and how access to healthy food became increasingly difficult. She recognized that children were taught very little about where their food came from and how important it is to nurture the land that sustains us. This realization sparked the creation of Rooted In Education—an initiative that focuses on supporting the development of whole and healthy children through immersive learning experiences within intentional agricultural spaces.
These spaces—now active in town squares, churches, and school properties—offer hands-on learning experiences that extend classroom learning and connect students to the land and to their own sense of responsibility and care. As I record this entry, Rooted In Education has grown from an idea into a thriving initiative with six active agricultural spaces. It’s incredible to visit these gardens, interact with the students, and see the enthusiasm and knowledge growing in them. The mission is simple but profound: teach children how food is grown, the importance of nurturing the earth and their relationship with it, and the value of patience and process that brings growth to harvest.
Each time my family and I return to Northern Virginia, we roll up our sleeves, put on our boots, grab our hats and gloves, and dive into the garden to get to work together! On my most recent trip to Northern Virginia, Nadia and I spent several mornings preparing our neighborhood gardens for the coming winter. The process of winterizing the gardens was another reminder of the growth and progress Rooted in Education has made in such a short time. It’s truly inspiring to witness these accomplishments firsthand.
With absolute certainty, I know that 2025 will be an extraordinary year for Rooted in Education as they continue to support the development of healthy, whole children by creating agricultural spaces that offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences. This journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow and touch the lives of children and families everywhere. 🌱
*Follow Rooted in Education’s journey and get a front-row seat as Rooted in Education educates our youth and nurtures our communities -- watch them thrive before your eyes!
