Harpur Fellow addresses food insecurity in remote Brazilian community

During her Harpur Fellows project, Isabella Franco da Silva faced obstacles that seem almost cinematic: tropical heat, long hours of physical labor in a rural community lacking infrastructure - and plenty of venomous insects and spiders.

For her project, she returned to her native Brazil to build a kitchen and sustainable garden in the Quilombo do Camorim community outside Rio de Janeiro, which faces severe food insecurity. She had some nasty bites and allergic reactions along the way, but ultimately it was worth it, she said.

"This community was created by formerly enslaved people of African origin after they escaped captivity, seeking refuge and freedom," she explained. "Now, they remain vibrant reminders of cultural heritage and endurance."

A senior biological sciences major on a pre-med track, Franco initially came to the U.S. in 2021 to study at Stony Brook University, but it didn't prove a good fit either academically or socially. During her sophomore year, she transferred to Binghamton, which was not only closer geographically to family members in the U.S., but also had programs that interested her.

She learned about the Harpur Fellows program by accident, after stopping in the Harpur Edge office to learn more about a summer mentorship opportunity with physicians.

"Once I looked into it and did some research, I found the Harpur Fellows program aligned with a lot of my values and potential projects I would like to be involved in, so I applied," she said.

Growing up in Brazil, she was heavily involved in social projects, particularly those centered around underprivileged minorities. However, she lacked the financial resources to make a lasting impact, she acknowledged.

"The Harpur Fellows grant would allow for such change," she added. "With the amount I received, I would be able to support this community that aligned with my personal values, heritage and identity, and ultimately provide the tools necessary for them to thrive."

Quilombo do Camorim's president explained to Franco how natural disasters and the coronavirus pandemic exacerbated food insecurity in the remote rural community. To promote self-sufficiency, Franco's project constructed a community garden and kitchen.

Both residents and Franco herself built the kitchen over a three-week period. For the garden, the project also provided seeds and tools to grow traditional crops such as okra and manioc.

During those weeks, Franco immersed herself in the community's routines and traditions, learning a great deal about them while assisting in construction and coordinating purchases. After the project was completed, residents used the kitchen for a community party, using some of the crops they grew in the meal, she said.

Despite the community's isolation and sparse conditions, Franco was warmly welcomed by residents and motivated by their gratitude, she said. Ultimately, the experience strengthened her resolve to someday work with underprivileged communities, she said.

"The emotional impact was significant, and the rewards went beyond anything I could have imagined. I walked away not only with a sense of fulfillment but also with a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, patience, and the power of making a small, yet extremely meaningful difference in people's lives," she said.