James Washington has a passion to help others while giving back to his communities. The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver also has a farming background, which made his recently launched partnership with Grow Pittsburgh a natural fit.
Founded in 2005, Grow Pittsburgh is a charitable nonprofit that builds and supports school and community gardens. Grow Pittsburgh serves as “a resource and guide for backyard, school and community Gardeners, as well as urban farmers across the Greater Pittsburgh region.” The organization’s mission is to teach people how to grow food and to promote the benefits that gardens have within a community. Last year, more than 28,000 pounds of produce was grown for the Pittsburgh community across two urban farm sites. Nearly 4,000 Grab & Go kits were delivered to students that included “everything needed to plant and grow while learning at home.”
Washington, who recently conducted his first event with Grow Pittsburgh, spoke with CBS Sports about his new partnership.
“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.
“I believe it (farming) teaches them hard work, because it’s definitely something that’s going to take countless hours and care. It teaches them to be able to go out, work on their own and have that work ethic.”
Grow Pittsburgh gives Washington a chance to give back to the Pittsburgh community off the field and that’s something he enjoys.
“It means a lot to me just being able to give back in my position. Growing up in a small town, you see some families who may not be as fortunate as you. So the fact that I’m able now and I can help people who may need a little assistance, it means a lot to me that I can help people out.”
