Scholar volunteers at local food farm
oSha Shireman, left, with volunteers at Swallow Rail Farm
oSha Shireman, a McConnell Scholar ('14) from Meade County, Ky., volunteered at Swallow Rail Farm over the last two months, helping repair chicken coops, mulching and cutting trees, moving sheep, processing chickens and administering medicine to animals.
"I believe in the importance of local, real food and the small farmers who give up stable careers and salaries to further the work of the local food movement in Louisville," Shireman said. "I volunteered with Swallow Rail Farm, but the benefits of the food extend far beyond them into the Greater Louisville community."
Shireman is taking an independent study this spring that audits the University of Louisville's food provider, Sodexo, as part of the Real Food Challenge. The challenge is part of a national movement that encourages universities to offer local, community-based food sources.
Shireman plans to volunteer bimonthly at Swallow Rail Farm, as well as other farms in the area, this spring.