All In with Brainfood

By Tyrees Smith

It’s impossible to explain how fast the weeks have been passing by while interning with Brainfood. It is already mid-way through the program and I feel like I’m just getting started. In addition to all I’ve learned about the non-profit sector and youth development, I've also learned how to play a bit of poker in my off time. My love for this old card game borders on addiction now, and as a result I've recently been relating a lot of recent life experiences to poker. My first Brainfood blog post, and the experiences I’ve had working with students is no exception.

Pulling carrots is a lot like poker. It's a gamble, but there's also some skill involved. The first time I was tasked with harvesting carrots I had severely underestimated how much fun I would have. Being gentle enough to not tear the greens, yet forceful enough to exhume the carrot from the soil is a bit of an art form, often leaving the individual doing the pulling and all those watching around on edge, wondering how big the carrot might be. Often all those participating are only to be left in disappointment at the skimpy runt that appears at the end of the greens. 

I would have never contemplated harvesting produce let alone enjoying it before coming to intern at Brainfood. Working in the Brainfood garden, and having the opportunity to watch as the very food we prepare for customers grow before my eyes is an interesting experience. As I watch the carrots and the kale and the kohlrabi grow and flourish as the days pass, I'm also lucky enough to witness the students develop and mature along with the produce they prepare every week.

I feel incredibly lucky to be able to grow professionally with such a delightful staff, and an inspirational and motivated group of students. I am grateful for the opportunities provided as an intern at Brainfood because I know they are completely unique to the environment and unseen at other organizations all throughout DC.