Jerilyn McLean, B.A.

Year: 
2020

Major and Concentration: 
Environmental Studies

Current Position(s):
Senior Adviser, Culinary Events Manager

Past Position(s):
Global Food Fellowship—O’Donohue Family Fellow (2019)

More about Jerilyn’s global food fellowship as an O’Donohue family fellow:
Location: San Francisco Bay

Research question: How does urban agriculture interact with gentrification and the housing crisis in San Francisco? How can urban gardening and farming be used by impacted communities to resist gentrification in their neighborhoods?

Project description: I spent two months learning from the incredible farmers at the Stanford Educational Farm in Palo Alto, CA. On the weekends, I interviewed urban farmers and gardeners, legislators, activists and non-profit leaders across the Bay engaged in a variety of food justice-oriented urban ag projects.

Notable fellowship moment: I spent one particularly memorable Sunday afternoon at a park in the Mission, handing out free produce gleaned from farmers markets throughout the city and grown by generous backyard gardeners, at the Free Farm Stand. This entirely volunteer-run farm stand has been providing anyone and everyone in need with nutrient-dense organic produce, fruit and bread every week for 11 years. If you or anyone you know is headed to San Francisco, check them out! Parque Niños Unidos, every Sunday, 12-3pm. They're always in need of volunteers, and they'll treat you like family. It gave me hope that a truly democratic food system, one centered around giving, is possible. If you have time and/or food to give, give it.

Favorite fellowship meal: I took home about 4 pounds of Sungold cherry tomatoes from the farm one evening, and cooked all of them down into the most sublime pasta sauce I've ever had the privilege of eating and sharing with friends.

New questions arising from Jerilyn’s research: What are the advantages and limitations of volunteer-based farming and gardening projects that seek to increase food security? How can these projects include and support individuals who are unable to volunteer their time?

A few other interests: Outside of the classroom, I play in Yale's American folk group, Tangled Up in Blue, and sing with the Yale Women's Slavic Chorus. I'm interested in agroecology, climate-conscious farming, and food justice. And I love to ferment and bake things!