Et cetera : NCCC Oak 3 Making a Difference in Bemidji, Minn.

Valerie Munoz helps a young boy learn about and hold a tarantula at Headwaters Science Center.

Alexis Pittman and Mark Smith plant potatoes for the Bemidji Community Food Shelf garden project.

By: Alexis Pittman

Oak 3 has been serving at the Bemidji Community Food Shelf and the Headwater Science Center in Bemidji, MN. The staff has been very welcoming and friendly, helping to create a great learning environment throughout the project.

At Headwaters Science Center the team is bringing STEM awareness to children and people of all ages through interactive exhibits and outreach opportunities in which staff and team members visit schools to explore science.

At the Bemidji Community Food Shelf, Oak 3 had the opportunity to be mentored by the local volunteers in learning how to serve as shoppers, as well as stocking and organizing food on the shelves for distribution. As shoppers, Oak 3 interacts with and assists individuals and families in getting their food. The team is also getting a head start with the 5-year garden project by planting vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and peas, and by setting up several raised bed gardens. The produce from the garden will be distributed through the food shelf to those in need.

“From past experiences with food shelves, I know that our work is needed by families,” says Oak 3 member Brandon Mctygue.

Oak 3 is also hosting a community day at the BCFS to encourage the Bemidji community to come out and volunteer within the garden on June 5.