I Always want to lend a hand.
I am passionate about finding ways to make this world a better place. I make an effort to get involved with organizations and volunteering efforts to help lend a hand in moving the needle in the right direction. I have worked with a variety of organizations, such as Paws for a Cause, Gleaners Food Bank, and more.
However, my favorite volunteering experience is working with The Farm at St. Joes in Ann Arbor — the first-ever organic farm built on a hospital’s campus. You can read more about it below!
The Farm at St. Joe’s - Ann Arbor, Mi
In 2010 I helped transform 25 acres of landscape on the campus of St. Joe’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan by constructing hoop houses. These hoops allow for healthy, organic food to be grown year-round in the cold Michigan climate.
This was the first-ever organic farm built on a hospital’s campus in the nation. I am proud to say that the project was spearheaded by my mom, Lisa McDowell, the Director of Clinical Nutrition at St. Joe.
The farm grows
Since the original hoop houses, The Farm has grown to include additional spaces, like a handicap-accessible hoop house, a community garden, bee hives, a cooking studio, and more. I have been lucky enough to volunteer with the farm throughout every stage - doing everything from planting and weeding to selling the produce at the farmer’s market in the hospital lobby.
The impact of this project, and how it is revolutionizing the connection between food and healthcare, is documented in the upcoming film ‘Feeding Tomorrow’ which won Best Environmental Film at DOC LA and showed at SXSW in 2023.
FOOD & the Detroit RED WINGS
My mom’s expertise in her field has led her to working with a variety of elite athletes, including olympic medalists. In addition to her role at St. Joe’s, she works as the Team Dietitian for the NHL team the Detroit Red Wings. My mom’s tenure with the Red Wings has awarded her a variety of accolades, including a Detroit Game Changers award in 2022.
Each year, I volunteer with the team to assist with Development Camp for Red Wing prospects. During this time, I lead cooking courses that not only demonstrate healthy recipes, but help teach the prospects how to fuel their bodies for optimal performance. Much of the produce used in these recipes comes straight from The Farm at St. Joe’s.
The inspiration behind the project
While my mom has always been an advocate for food as medicine, it was my grandpa’s stage-4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2002 that truly sparked the fire for her desire to create change. Thanks to his incredible team of doctors, and my mom’s commitment to adapting his diet, my grandpa not only beat his cancer, but will be turning 87 years old this May. Only one year after completing chemo, my grandpa finished his first Disney Marathon.
My grandpa is my best friend and was always there to take care of me a as a child. He is the person who inspired my love of solving puzzles. It was truly a special moment to walk with him, and hear him speak, at the PanCan event in Detroit a few years ago.
