When I was young I resided in Denver, CO. Every summer from the ages of 7-13, I would spend it with my grandmother in Columbia, SC. The South had great food and plenty of humidity, but it also encompassed my people, my roots. We would spend some of our summer in Eastover, SC hanging with family, playing with cousins, visiting the horse barn, and sitting at the beauty parlor all day. Those memories, like stained glass paintings, are etched in my brain—memories I often replay.

Fast forward to today, I’m living in the South and we are raising our son. There are so many places that I can’t pass without thinking of me and my grandmother taking over SC for the summer. Working in Agriculture, I get to be a part of what makes the South home. It’s the farms that grow fresh produce that connect to a memory, the BBQ masters, our value-added producers, advocates working hard in their communities, and food hubs making food access for all a priority. It’s the continuous meetings and projects we collaborate on to make more improvements to our local food systems.

As a Food Systems Leader, I have worked in the South Carolina Agricultural space since early 2019. From supervising state peanut buying points and grading produce to audit support and curriculum development, I have enjoyed being a part of diverse food systems work. Roots & Rain was developed to support more organizations, women, and historically impacted farmers to enhance their agricultural footprint.

Everyone should be fed and have a bed. Connecting with people is more than just receiving a one-time service that checks a box. It is about being a reliable resource that makes you feel comfortable and at home. My priorities are your heritage, goals, and what you are rooted in. Consider Roots & Rain, and let's GROW together.

~With Love, Keisha Rainey