Steelers’ James Washington works to feed communities while helping teach kids how to grow their own food
The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver also has a farming background, which made his recently launched partnership with Grow Pittsburgh a natural fit.
By Bryan DeArdo
CBS
Oct 31, 2021
Excerpt:
“I thought it went pretty good,” Washington said. “Just seeing all the work that they’ve done and everything that they’ve established there. … For the kids that were there, they seemed like it was something that they looked forward to every day, coming to hang out with their buddies. And it’s a way to teach kids to feed themselves for a lifetime instead of just once. It’s a way for them to feel like they are heroes, too, because they’re growing plants, vegetables and fruit to give back to the community.
“My dad was a farmer when I was younger, so it was something that kind of (resonated) with me other than a sports type of community service,” Washington said. You’re reaching out to a different group of kids. It’s an awesome program and it’s just a way for them to give back to their community.”
Washington is looking to get his teammates involved in this special cause.
“I really want to take a few teammates out there and work with the kids and maybe get donations and things together. Just to help them out that much more.”
Growing up with a dad who farmed you would think Washington might be a big fan of vegetables growing up, but that wasn’t the case.
“Myself growing up, I wasn’t big on vegetables, but I bet if I planted them myself and did all the work, I would at least try them. So that’s another thing that kind of opens it up for kids is that they’re getting to get and taste what they’ve grown and cared for.
