DeLaSalle Learning Farm project hits close to home for Blue KC volunteer
When Jasmine Hunter saw that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) had a volunteer event at the Build Trybe Shop near 31st and Troost in Kansas City, Missouri, it didn’t take her long to decide to be there.
“I saw the address,” Jasmine said. “I grew up around that area. I want to make sure I serve my community, particularly the urban core. That is important to me. When I got there, it was way more than I thought it was going to be.”
Moments after she arrived at Build Trybe, the Blue KC Membership Account Manager grabbed a pair of gloves and began cutting wood with a saw.
“I never did that before,” Jasmine said. “One person asked if I was scared. I was like, ‘heck yeah!’ It was out of my comfort zone, but cool. Other volunteers were using the awesome flamethrower that we learned how to use. The volunteers had a great time.”
Building the Farm
On that night, Blue KC volunteers helped build five raised garden beds made from cedar. It was all part of a partnership between Blue KC, behavioral and mental health nonprofit Cornerstones of Care and its vocational program Build Trybe. The organizations are teaming up to build a learning farm at DeLaSalle Education Center near 37th and Troost.
“Growing up, I knew people who went to DeLaSalle,” Jasmine said. “So, walking into Build Trybe and talking to those kids to try to help them build skills was special. It was great seeing those kids coming out with skills to make changes in their lives and put them on the right trajectory.”
The event was an opportunity for the Blue KC volunteers to mentor the DeLaSalle students who volunteered alongside them. Jasmine attended Kansas City Public Schools and knows what’s it like to grow up in the urban core.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” she said. “Your environment produces character. You can let that grow you, or you can let it hinder you. These types of programs out there that help young adults and families see something, do something and build something – it’s a steppingstone for greater things. I want to be a part of that. I love that!”
Helping to Reduce Food Insecurity
The learning farm project is just getting started with plans to build an orchard on the horizon. It’s all to help DeLaSalle Education Center become a new center for urban agriculture and reduce food insecurity.
“The grocery store that just closed at 31st and Prospect affects the whole community,” Jasmine said. “This project is literally feeding a whole community. Statistics have shown there are communities where children do not have access to adequate food if they don’t go to school. It’s a huge thing when you can teach a whole community how to feed themselves, and they can take home food that might help their own families!”
Ever since she joined Blue KC in 2012, Jasmine has been impressed with Blue KC’s commitment to the community.
“Blue KC has such a great representation within the community,” she said. “It’s pride for me being an employee with Blue KC. You can work in the community, get to know people and help people. It’s a great thing.”
