Harvest VISTA Anastasia Ryseff serves at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) New Roots Program. New Roots at the IRC Seattle works with refugee, immigrant and vulnerable communities in South King County to improve food access and community wellness. New Roots provides individuals and families space to grow their own food at four different community gardens, while also offering community programs such as English classes, yoga, stress reduction groups, and student summer internships. New Roots also runs two subsidized farm stands that sell produce grown by clients in the gardens. For those who need or want assistance, New Roots offers trainings and workshops on gardening skills and guidance on how to navigate the Pacific Northwest growing climate.
The global pandemic of COVID-19 disproportionately affected marginalized populations such as the elderly and refugees. In collaboration with Food Innovation Network (FIN), the International Rescue Committee New Roots program and HAH VISTA Anastasia coordinated the delivery of 50 bags of fresh produce weekly to low-income seniors in SeaTac and Tukwila.
The program began last June in conjunction with the Tukwila Village Farmers Market, run by both the IRC New Roots Program and FIN. Each week through December, grocery bags filled with local and fresh produce from refugee and immigrant farms, Alvarez Organic Farms, Collins Family Orchards, Namuna Garden and New Roots Aggregate Farm Stand will be delivered to elders in South King County.