At Farm Discovery, we’re lucky to have an amazing community of volunteers who bring their energy and dedication to our mission. One such superstar is Mary Delavega. 

About Mary

Mary began volunteering with us in the summer of 2020 when COVID was still new. We had begun delivering produce to organizations that had all kinds of circumstances they were up against – one of those organizations was Encompass Community Services. They were housing and feeding unhoused foster youth in the Simpkins Swim Center Conference rooms. Mary made sure those kids had access to fresh fruits and vegetables that didn’t require processing because they didn’t really have a kitchen. That program has evolved back into providing fresh fruits and veggies in a safe space where the youth can hang out, and once a week another partner organization comes in and helps them learn to cook with what Mary brings them almost every week of the year. We think it may have added up to about 200 deliveries to date!

How She Got Involved

During Covid, Mary was looking for ways to get outside, around people and contribute to something she believed in. She found Farm Discovery on the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County website, looking for help on data entry and delivering produce. The data entry part didn’t stick, but she loved visiting the farm to pick up the produce.

Why Farm Discovery’s Mission Matters

Farm Discovery’s mission “to empower youth and families to build and sustain healthy food, farming, social and natural systems,” the programs offered to students and families, and their commitment to community. “I feel fortunate to be a small part of what you all are doing.”

“From the start, it was a gift to be able to deliver produce and also help out at the U-Pick events that were a way for families to get outside, on the farm, during a very isolating time. Over the years, I have met so many kind, enthusiastic people both at Farm Discovery and Emcompass/TAY. Those simple small connections mean a lot to me.”

Thank You, Mary!

Thank you Mary for your reliability, your willingness, and your kind smile. Volunteers like her bring our mission to life, ensuring that we can educate and inspire our community about sustainable agriculture and food systems.

 Interested in joining our volunteer community? Reach out to us—we’d love to have you!