Meet Saree Mading, Member of the Board, Collective Roots

My name is Saree Mading and I was born and raised in East Palo Alto, and continue to reside in the community with my family. I serve as Site Coordinator for the East Palo Alto Charter School and serve on the Board of Collective Roots. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Collective Roots, please allow me to welcome you to our website.

The lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in our community has exacerbated the problem of obesity, the rise of poor eating habits, and contributed to pandemic levels of debilitating health conditions of children and youth in our community. I know because I see these effects every day as Administrator at the East Palo Alto Charter School, (EPACS). I am very aware of my students’ diets and unfortunately, my students are not eating healthy fresh foods. Over 70 % of the children at our school qualify for federal school meal assistance, but this is not enough--many of our children are missing meals daily or not eating fresh food. These challenges can seem overwhelming and it is vital for schools like ours to partner with community based organizations such as Collective Roots.

Collective Roots became a partner with my school in 2003, and the results are astounding. Simply come and visit our huge organic garden and see for yourself how the Collective Roots’ programs at EPACS are promoting the study of healthy foods and eating habits as part of the school's curriculum. The organic garden has become an integral part of the school and is cherished by students, teachers, and families. Staffed by teachers provided by Collective Roots, we are able to educate EPACS students in the areas of environmental science, food systems, as well as enjoying the garden as a place for fun and purposeful health promoting activities. Collective Roots provides field trips, garden work days, and many other events at the school to help the students and community share common ground and good, healthy food.

Please help us achieve our goal to establish a Farmer's Market in East Palo Alto.

I was honored with the opportunity to write a letter about Collective Roots' initiative to develop the East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market. If you have a few minutes, please click here to view this letter. I am hoping that once you have read our letter and reviewed the programs that were are featured on our website, you will be inspired to make a donation to Collective Roots.

Nearly 40% of our budget is contributed in-kind. This means that every dollar you give is matched with the generosity of others that stretches precious resources even further. We offer a variety of ways for donors to make a contribution. I can mail you a letter (the old-fashioned way) with a remit envelope, or you can simply click here to make a tax-deductible donation online. Our online donation form is easy to use and only takes a couple of minutes.

There are many ways that you can join our efforts and support the work of Collective Roots. We welcome your involvement as a volunteer. Please review our many volunteer opportunities by clicking here.