OKO JOURNAL

Hi there!

My name is Krishna, and I have had the pleasure of working at Oko farms this summer as a public health graduate intern. My intention with pursuing a post graduate degree was to explore the interplay between global food systems and anthropogenic climate change, and to ultimately find my place in crafting a brighter future. My academic journey has led me to Oko Farms, where I’ve witnessed the remarkable power of community mobilization and small-scale food sovereignty initiatives. The teachings I’ve learned in the classroom have come to life during my internship, reinforcing the truth that global issues require local solutions. As I step into my final year of my graduate degree this fall, I am thrilled to intimately weave the knowledge I’ve gained as a farmer this summer, into my academic pursuits.

My time at Oko Farms has been a beautiful unfolding experience that has nurtured both my professional growth and personal healing. Among the urban sprawl of New York, greenspaces like this one are hidden treasures that few are lucky enough to work in. As I reflect on my summer outdoors, I recognize the modest role I play within a natural agricultural system, and my internship has urged me to approach this role with both humility and an open heart.

I cherished moments at the farm where I learned about the cultural differences in using food as medicine. For centuries, food has been a conduit for healing in all its forms; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. I relished the opportunity to work in a space where Western epistemologies were questioned, and diverse cultural knowledge was celebrated. I found great healing in being able to openly share anecdotes from my own upbringing as an Indian woman. From the nutritional benefits of an herb, to the historical uses of a crop, I was able to explore food as medicine from every angle this summer. Looking ahead in my journey, I am confident that the experiences I gained at Oko Farms this year will be pivotal in both my personal and professional life. I am forever grateful for the time I spent here, and I hope you feel the same warmth and love that I did every time you visit the farm this season :)