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| A team of volunteers from Hikvision, used organic farming to support young people in the community |
Hikvision USA, a multiple award-winning North American leader in innovative video surveillance technology products and solutions, joined with Earthworks Farm, a work-training and educational urban farm in Los Angeles County, to promote healthy lifestyle choices to the local community. A team of volunteers from Hikvision, along with Earthworks farmers, used organic farming as a framework to support young people in the community in academic, vocational, and leadership development.
A program of the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC), Earthworks Farm encompasses nearly five acres in the Whittier Narrows Recreational Area and incorporates sustainable, organic farming practices with a diverse array of crops. Underprivileged youths ages 16-24 have the opportunity to participate in Earthworks’ Healthy Harvesters program, which provides valuable work skill training. “They can finish high school, get work training, and get part-time employment through SGVCC until they have a better job,” explained Marianne Zaugg, Program & Development Director for Earthworks. “We offer a six-week job training that is a stepping-stone to becoming an organic farmer.”
Earthworks Farm encourages healthy relationships between people, their food supply, and the land from which it grows. Through their many community-related programs, including workshops in organic farming and farm-to-school education, Earthworks endeavours to provide a local, affordable source of healthy food throughout the year. Their new Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program allows individuals and families to purchase weekly boxes of fresh-picked, seasonal, organic produce for a nominal fee. “Ultimately our goal is to circumvent urban food deserts and food-related health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues,” Ms. Zaugg elaborated.
Volunteers from Hikvision got a taste of farm life as they prepared and weeded garden beds and participated in mulching and organic composting. “It’s so rewarding to get involved with a meaningful cause like this and support the great work that Earthworks is doing,” commented Anna Boudinot, Content Manager at Hikvision USA. “Hikvision is really excited to connect with local and national nonprofits and give back to the community in this way.”
To learn more about Hikvision USA, please visit booth #4145 at the ASIS event in Atlanta, September 29 – October 1, 2014.
