Arin@cultivatefoodconnections.org

I was born and raised on the North side of Des Moines and have spent my life here exploring the city. I’m proud to call this my home, and love giving back to my community any way that I can find. 

I am a DMACC graduate of the Human Services program. During schooling, I uncovered  my desire to work closely with local food systems. As a result, I interned with LSI’s Global Greens team and worked with farmers and community gardeners for a summer - & the experience shaped and solidified my passion.

More recently, I’ve served as an AmeriCorps member supporting food access through a local library’s community fridge. These experiences together have given me a knowledge of the needs of food production and food security. I hope to combine what I’ve learned to continue supporting education and opportunities for Des Moines residents and producers.

In my free time I like to walk trails, read, garden, cook and eat! I love spending time with my family, including my partner, two dogs and two cats. I love everything to do with food – and see it as such a strong connector. I’m excited to be a part of the Cultivate team and to help amplify the impact that spending more time with local food and each other can provide!