There is always something positive and rewarding going on at the Making A Difference Foundation and its Eloise's Cooking Pot food bank, and all with a mission to better people's lives. From its drive-through free food distribution program at the Tacoma Dome every Wednesday to its food home delivery service to offering scholarships to secure bright futures for youth, the non-profit is firmly rooted in the belief that food security combined with education is the greatest equalizer for anyone to have a good life.
Under the visionary leadership of Making A Difference Foundation founder, president and CEO Ahndrea Blue, a new program has recently launched called "Feeding Our Future." Designed for youth ages 16-25, Feeding Our Future is dedicated to teaching young people all about indoor farming while building their knowledge, skills and confidence to run their own businesses. The program empowers participants with the skills to grow their own food, build sustainable futures, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Two cohorts of students are currently engaged in the program which lasts for 20 weeks. During this time, the participants are learning how to plant, grow, care for and harvest crops through hands-on experience with indoor hydroponics to grow plants without soil. Concurrently, the program includes business coaching to help students understand how to succeed in the farming industry or any business endeavor they may have in mind for their futures.
Feeding Our Future addresses students' immediate needs as well as they strive to help support their families in these times when food prices and other expenses present a real struggle for some. At the end of each session, students are welcome to take food home from the food bank and can be guided to other resources that help them along in life.
Read more at Tacoma Weekly