We were thrilled to interview Senator Jessica Bateman, who served on the GRuB Board before entering elected politics.
Senator Bateman first came to GRuB when she was serving as a legislative assistant and was given the opportunity to attend a youth-led tour of the GRuB farm. She was blown away by the young person who shared about the farm with such confidence and expertise, overcoming some significant personal challenges to be part of the program. Their story really resonated for Jessica, who herself faced a short stint of being unhoused as a high school student, and understood the value of caring community and meaningful work as a young adult. She left the farm that day feeling resolve to “do anything to support GRuB’s work.”
Not long after, she worked with a GRuB intern who was seeking to pass House Bill 1276: Dropout Prevention through Farm Engagement. Jessica coached the intern on how to present ideas succinctly and talk to legislators. In turn, GRuB brought a group of young people to testify before lawmakers, and, ultimately funding was included in the budget in 2013. Now as a lawmaker herself, Senator Bateman sees the GRuB legislative experience as a model in how it centered the voices, experience and power of young people, especially those who are often marginalized.
When Jessica filled out her volunteer application with GRuB, she indicated an interest in the board; at age 30, she wasn’t really expecting to be selected. She served on the board until she was elected to Olympia City Council. She speaks fondly of her time on the board, especially for the sense of community, caring, and mentorship among board members. When asked about the biggest impacts of GRuB across the past 25 year, Senator Bateman shares, “When I run into people who know GRuB, they just light up! GRuB’s work is truly that of pollination into other areas. I’ve seen the ways in which community expands through GRuB’s programs; when a garden is built, it is more than food, it is also relationships."
When asked about GRuB’s role in our community’s near-term future, Senator Bateman shares, “GRuB is a grounded place, and a beacon to the community. So many people feel safe and stable there. In this time, we all need more places like GRuB where we can grow, eat, and be together.”
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