Freida Graves
FAITH Farms & Orchard
Gary, IN USA
"Some people will see me as an activist—I just see myself as doing what was put in my spirit to do. I can’t do anything but advocate for the city I love and the people I love."
Career Roadmap
Freida's work combines: Food, Environment & Nature, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Certification
Licensed Practical Nurse
Certification
Certification
Master Gardner
Purdue Extension in Indiana
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Director of Food is Medicine Program:
Bachelor's Degree: Agriculture, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I grew up in Gary, Indiana, as the youngest of seven—our meals were humble but they sowed the seeds of my journey in food and health.
2.
After graduating high school, I ventured into various jobs and then marriage.
3.
When my children reached school age, I returned to education for nursing, earning my certification as a licensed practical nurse.
4.
I transitioned from healthcare to agriculture—my nursing background became the bedrock of my mission to heal through food, not just medicine.
5.
I became a farm administrator without prior gardening experience—rather my learning was nurtured by the wisdom of the older generation and their connection to the land.
6.
Working with FAITH Farms, I help to transform abandoned lands into sources of nourishment and education, echoing my grandmother's garden from my youth.
7.
I championed the Food as Medicine initiative, leveraging my nursing insights to combat health issues in Gary with nature's bounty.