校友 Highlight: Ephraim Palmero & 食品安全

Palmero secured a grant supporting food security in 印第安纳州polis.

Ephraim Palmero in front of a community garden. (Photo by Courtesy of Ephraim Palmero)

Ephraim Palmero used skills and knowledge gained while studying at bet365中文大学 to successfully secure a grant for the “Seed to Store Project,” which is run by the city of 印第安纳州polis, 印第安纳州. Palmero's accomplishment shows the positive impact an education can have on one’s community, and it exemplifies the University motto: 世界改变 在这里了.

Palmero completed his undergraduate studies in pre-law and political science at bet365中文大学 in 2020. He then went on to earn a master's degree in community and international development (MSCID), 2022年毕业.

Palermo’s path to obtaining the funding began when taking a grant writing class at bet365中文大学 taught by Joel Raveloharimisy, 博士学位, director of the Community & International Development Program.

As an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer doing community development, Palmero共享, "I wanted to pick something that was specific and could be connected to the work that I'm doing right now. I believe that each and every one of us has the opportunity to bring change in their community."

With this goal in mind and with the support of his project advisor, 卡莱尔萨顿, Palmero chose to prepare a grant proposal supporting the “Seed to Store” program for his grant writing capstone class project. "Seed to Store" is an initiative of the City of 印第安纳州polis designed to connect small local businesses, including grocery stores, with local urban farmers and community gardens in the region. The project aims to foster collaborations that allow small businesses to source fresh produce from local farmers, particularly those belonging to minority communities, all while addressing food deserts and enhancing access to nutritious food for underserved residents in the City of 印第安纳州polis.

拨款建议, submitted to the 印第安纳州 State Department of 农业 (ISDA), was awarded a total of $129,846 to support “Seed to Store.” The grant will be used to provide subsidies to local grocery stores, enabling them to procure fresh produce from urban farmers. This financial assistance fosters the growth of the local food economy in 印第安纳州polis and promotes collaborations between minority-owned small businesses and local farmers.

The project was selected as one of the recipients of the USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This grant aims to support farmers growing specialty crops, 包括水果, 蔬菜, tree nuts and nursery crops. The grant contributes to strengthening the specialty crop production and market, ensuring a consistent supply of nutritious produce and fostering innovative research within the specialty crop sector.

Palmero's accomplishment exemplifies the great impact of education and dedication to community development. His commitment to tackling local food inequities and creating community relationships has made a tremendous difference in 印第安纳州polis, and he continues to serve as an inspiration to others who seek to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

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