“As humans, we are consumers— we can't change that. But we can be aware of how we consume and the impact that our food choices have on the environment, the animals, and people,” -Anaïs Dervaes An urban homestead is a space where people grow their own food and raise animals, as well as produce other goods like soap or candles. It’s not only going back to nature but also making sure that we have access to high-quality organic products. It's basically an agricultural collective where everyone contributes something to the community and benefits from it as well!  This week, Justine sits with Anaïs Dervaes, the Executive Director of Urban Homestead, a family-owned 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that creates programs to educate the community about protecting the environment and being aligned with nature. Some of their programs include internships, farm-to-table sessions, and food donations. Anaïs runs the organization with her siblings Justin and Jordanne. Urban Homestead was founded by their father and they are determined to continue his legacy.    Listen in as Anaïs shares how they turned their home into a homestead in the city, her fun experiences on the farm, how self-sufficiency is achieved through community, what growing with nature means, and how we can make a difference in the food system in our own way. Meet Anaïs:   Anaïs Dervaes is an apron-wearing barefootin’ dynamo who is passionate about food, wellness, and music.  When she’s not leading kids through a magical tour of the farm, she enjoys hiking, foraging, practicing her autoharp, and spending time in the kitchen, creating tasty meals from seasonal harvests.   She is a hands-on activist for sustainable living, sharing her practical knowledge and teaching people of all ages. Carrying on the family’s work and mission, she’s co-founder and Executive Director of the Urban Homestead Institute.   Website Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Podcast Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  YouTube Link  Episode Highlights: 00:47 Urban Homestead— A Homestead in the City 03:13 Farm is Fun! 06:28 It Takes a Village 10:08 In Tune with Nature 12:17 How We Can Support Nature