The 157th recipient is Nykita Howell of Queendom Farms @queendomfarms in East Point, Georgia. Nykita writes, “My journey as a grower has been rewarding and challenging, all at once. Originally, the dream was to have acreage and grow food for the community. I quickly realized that my purpose was to teach others how to grow food. ‘Give a man a fish, you feed them today. Teach a man to fish, you feed them for a lifetime’. This saying has resonated with me throughout my growing journey. It’s the mantra that I live by. Self-care is especially important as growers. Feeding communities is hard work, especially amidst food shortages and insecurities in communities across the country. Before you can care for others by way of growing, you have to take care of yourself. Farming is hard work; taking care of others is hard work. But that work cannot be done unless you care for yourself first. As a part of my daily routine, I make sure I take the time to care for myself before I give to anyone else. Farmers are mothers, fathers, spouses, caregivers, and everything in between. Taking care of yourself FIRST is how you can operate at your full potential for the people who depend on you.”