b'NURTURING A COMMUNITY-BASEDAPPROACH TO FOOD ACCESSOnaswelteringAugustmorning,agroupofand blossomed into a larger commitment a few teenagersfromacitynorthofBostonandyears ago when he put the organizations executive surroundingsuburbsharvestedvegetablesondirector, Anne Hayes in touch with Sue Finegan,The Food Project a one-acre farm tucked between an elementarythe Chair of Mintzs Pro Bono Committee. Peteris extremely schoolandrowsofhousesnestledonnarrowalsoincreasedhisowncommitmentlastyear, streets. While some of her peers picked fragrantjoining the board and spearheading an effort tograteful for Mintzs greenpeppers,16-year-oldDanielawashedrewrite their bylaws, code of conduct, and conflictinvaluable assistance carrots, kale, and Swiss chard, prepping them forof interest and disclosure policies, with assistancewith real estate, affordable farmers markets and mobile markets.attheearlystagesfromformerMintzattorney Both the farm and the markets are part of TheAllyson Wilkinson. employment, and FoodProject,anonprofitthathiresteenagersItsrewardingtohelpanorganizationthatsmany other legal from different racial, socioeconomic, and genderhelping the world, Peter said. identity groups to grow food, learn about socialissues. The firms justice,andworktoimproveaccesstohealthyMuch of the firms other guidance addresses realincredible support food.Despitelearningshecouldntbeontheestateissuesassociatedwiththeorganizations same crew as her sister, Daniela took the job. Theheadquartersbuildingandleasesfortwootheris transforming our acceptance she found among her new coworkersoffices, four greenhouses, and six farms scatteredorganization and motivated her to apply for a role with the advancedacrosstheDudleyneighborhoodinBoston,enabling us to focus team when her initial program ended.conservationland,schoolgrounds,andland The bonds that are created here are so strong,trust property. Attorneys Chelsea Wood and Anneour attention and Daniela said. Its a great way to work. Loeb evaluated leases for The Food Project, withresources onAnnefocusingonleasesforurbanfarmsand Daniela is one of 120 young people hired annuallygreenhouses. Earlier this year, when a landowneryouth development by the Lincoln, Massachusetts-based nonprofit tosoughttoincreasethefeeitchargedtheand building acultivate about 70 acres of urban and suburbanorganization to pass through an adjoining parcel, farmland while also developing their leadershipattorneyGeoffSmithdevelopedanegotiationmore equitableskills. Through the 200,000 pounds of food theystrategyaftermeticulousresearchintorealfood system.grow, distribute, and donate, they also contributeestate records with former Mintz legal specialist to reducing food insecurity, or the lack of accessRachel Lipton. ANNE M. HAYEStonutritiousandculturallyappropriatefood,Executive Directoroftenexperiencedbylow-incomepeopleandFood insecurity has been an issue on everybodysThe Food Projectcommunities of color. mindthroughoutthepandemic,andan organization thats providing access to food in our Behind the scenes, the organization increasinglyown backyard is vital, Geoff said.turns to Mintz for pro bono assistance with realMany other attorneys assisted with employment estateandemploymentissues,andinthepastmatters, including Delaney Busch, who provided year, the firm also advised on governance, privacy,guidance onstaffing issues and overhauled the and litigation concerns. The relationship beganemployeehandbookwithoversightfromGeri about a decade ago when attorney Peter DemuthHaight;DanielleBereznay,whorevisedthe didaprobonobusinessconsultingprojectfororganizations safety manual with Natalie Groot, TheFoodProjectthroughavolunteerprogram TRANSCENDING // Mintz Pro Bono Journal 15'