When Alexis saw people handing out organic plant starts next to her automotive repair shop, Geared Up Drive Train in Grass Valley, she knew there was something special going on.
The next door neighbor was Grass Valley Child Nutrition Services, where most of the Western Nevada County school meals are made. In addition to handing out to-go lunches for distance learners, she learned that Sierra Harvest was there to distribute free spring veggie starts so families in need could grow some of their own food at home.
Although Alexis was familiar with Sierra Harvest’s garden cart at her daughter’s elementary school, she was surprised to learn that Sierra Harvest had other programs, like the Sierra Gardens that help people grow food in their own backyards. “That’s what got me excited about Sierra Harvest, seeing how you help people have healthy food at their fingertips, especially those who wouldn’t ordinarily have access to fresh, organic food. It’s more expensive, everyone can’t afford it, and I just thought that was super cool and I wanted to be a part of it.” Alexis decided to get involved by offering her professional photography services through Sentimentally Yours Photography.
Her first assignment took her to several local school kitchens, where she documented infrastructure for the Chef Ann Foundation, a national non-profit working with all nine school districts in Western Nevada County to bring scratch cooked meals and salad bars to 10,000 students. “Alexis went above and beyond going to four different locations at very early hours of the morning to complete this volunteer project. She is the consummate professional on and off camera and Sierra Harvest is so grateful to have her talent on our team.”
Alexis looks forward to more opportunities to get involved. “I would love to continue to work with Sierra Harvest, and help make the community aware of what you are doing so that others can spread the word and take advantage of these services.”
If you would like to volunteer with Sierra Harvest, fill out our online application to get started.