Last week, a group of UD Hanley Sustainability Institute’s undergraduate campus and community fellows had the opportunity to visit the Mission of Mary Cooperative, a nonprofit in Dayton that is committed to utilizing sustainable urban agriculture to decrease vulnerabilities in surrounding communities.
As my first time visiting, the experience left me with a better understanding of the food systems in Dayton, along with a revitalized commitment to my role as a sustainability student.
Visiting Mission of Mary Cooperative offered an opportunity to look into the science and reality behind food insecurity, including how it begins, how it is perpetuated by systemic inequalities and the many ways in which it negatively affects physical and mental health.
While learning about these various concepts in a classroom setting proves to be educational, actually standing in the middle of a farm cooperative that works to actively combat these pressing issues leaves a greater and more powerful impression.
Further, we learned about the rise of the Mission of Mary and how a small but passionate group turned vacant lots into the thriving gardens we see there today.
Through the network of these urban farming plots, Mission of Mary is able to run a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Each week, they distribute boxes of fresh produce to surrounding neighborhoods, many of which are considered food deserts. This service acts as a tangible solution to the ongoing challenges of food insecurity and nutritional deprivation.
As someone leading the University of Dayton’s newly launched CSA program, I am deeply inspired by the Mission of Mary’s model. Their dedication to sustainability, ability to engage the community and the generosity of their volunteers remind me why I chose this path of sustainability.
And while the main task at Mission of Mary is growing fresh food, their mission and significance reside in promoting dignity, equity and health in Dayton communities that have remained underserved for too long.
This experience has enhanced my academic journey in sustainability. While studying systems thinking, urban food networks or regenerative agriculture is important, it is just as crucial to witness their authentic applications and see how consistent efforts can bring forth substantial change.
The Mission of Mary Cooperative embodies the values I continuously study — including resilience, stewardship and community — and continues to act as a prime example of what it looks like to truly live them out. This visit has reminded me that sustainability is multi-faceted and is as much about people as it is about the planet. It is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they reside, has access to nutritious food and a healthy environment.
Ultimately, spending a few hours at the Mission of Mary Cooperative gave me a glimpse into what is possible when vision meets action, and for that, I am grateful and inspired.