Harvest for Hope: A Brief Visit by Jane Goodall

by Jean Helms, general manager

Imagine my surprise when I received a call from Doane College in Crete and learned Open Harvest was mentioned in Jane Goodall's recent book. Our staff and board were invited to attend an honorary degree ceremony and lecture by Dr. Goodall March 14. We brought a basket of organic fruit for her to enjoy throughout her visit in Nebraska to see Sandhill Cranes.

She was excited to be in Nebraska and entertained us by expressing how a chimpanzee would sound when excited. She beautifully described the people and animals that influenced her life and her work, as feathers of wings that have carried her to heights she could have never achieved alone. She offered inspiration for young people to carry on efforts to restore our unique planet.

In her book, Harvest for Hope: A Guide for Mindful Eating, Open Harvest is mentioned in the paperback version in the chapter titled "The Story of Nebraska." She talks about drought and water issues, particularly concerning the Platte River. She also references Slow Food Nebraska, the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign, local Farmers' Markets, and Shadowbrook Farms. Dr. Goodall also confronts issues of GMO's, factory farms, overfishing, vegetarianism, organics, local and seasonal food, school meals, obesity, and the water crisis.

I am pleased that Dr. Goodall decided to tackle these important issues that are near and dear to our hearts. It is validating to hear a respected biologist, scholar and human rights advocate give voice to the fact that we can change the world by voting with our dollars and making informed decisions about our food sources.

Roots and Shoots

The Goodall Institute has developed a program for youth to learn to care for animals, the environment and the human community. There are 22 Roots and Shoots chapters in Nebraska listed on the website www.rootsandshoots.org.

During a breakout session in Crete with these local groups, Dr. Goodall was treated to a presentation by Holly Murdoch from Dimensions Early Childhood Education Program. It was very touching to hear the stories of their small children experiencing the wonder of nature through handson learning opportunities. She provided pictures to Dr. Goodall of the children who were pretending to be Jane observing chimps in the wild, or a chicken laying an egg, or a duck imprinting on its mother. Holly said, "Jane Goodall's presentation has fueled my passion for teaching. Her inspiration influences how we teach children about our environment."