Alexander Gardens (AG): Tell us a little about yourself and your background. What experiences have shaped who you are today?

Austin Sharon (AS): Born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, CA, I formed a deep relationship with Mother Nature at a young age, which shaped me into a person who cares deeply about our environment and our connection to it.

I grew up enjoying outdoor activities like skiing, biking, swimming, and more. Moving to Santa Barbara to learn how to surf and go to college, I reflected on how I grew up to help me decide what to study, and the motto “Keep Tahoe Blue” influenced me to get a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies because it has always been a constant reminder to respect and protect our natural world.

With experiences like canvassing to raise money for environmental issues, experimenting with starting my own businesses, and traveling the world to bring clean water to developing countries, I have learned that unconditional love and embracing the unknown are what make life truly exciting.

I am always striving to evolve and become the best version of myself, developing many healthy habits like meditation and prioritizing a whole-food diet to support my success on my journey.

AG: What led you to Pilgrim Terrace Urban Farm? Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to become involved?

AS: I started at Pilgrim Terrace in the summer of 2022 directly out of college. At first, I was attracted to the mission supporting vulnerable populations with food security using eco-friendly agriculture solutions.

My summer experience working with environmental nonprofits made me excited to experience another nonprofit opportunity. My passion for nutritious food, innovative systems for a better world, and the loving community are a few of the things that have kept me around for the last 4 years.

Pilgrim Terrace and The Alexander Properties focus on community relationships, wellness and connections. What excites you about partnering with The Alexander Properties?

I am excited to have more seniors in our community accessing nutrient-dense and local food options with ease because I know they will enjoy it and they will feel good after eating.

Also, the possibility of having Pilgrim Terrace residents and Alexander Garden residents socialize at special events is something I can’t wait to take place.

AG: Tell us about how this partnership and experiences benefit residents, families, and staff and the community at large?

AS: This partnership will benefit residents, families, staff, and the community at large in many ways. Residents will have the opportunity to strengthen their immune systems, feel more energy, and socialize with residents at Pilgrim Terrace. Families will be delighted with the care their elders are receiving and may even take part in some of the nutrient-dense food being offered. Staff will feel satisfaction in the care being offered, and I am sure they will get some positive feedback from residents excited about the health-enhancing opportunities. The community at large will benefit from the partnership because it is supporting the stability of a local and closed loop system that provides proper care and nourishment free of pesticides to our most vulnerable populations.

AG: How can opportunities like gardening, learning about food, and connecting with nature enrich people’s lives at any age?

AS: Gardening, knowledge about food, and connecting with nature all have so many benefits for people at any age. When people get in the garden or nature in general, they are experiencing stress relief, getting exercise, getting sun, and interacting with microorganisms that boost serotonin in the brain. Knowledge about food helps people make the right choices to reach healthy outcomes that better their lives. Whether that's getting sick less, feeling stronger, or simply being filled with excitement and joy, I believe that the more we connect with what is natural, the happier we all live and the healthier we all can be.

AG: What message would you like to share with the Santa Barbara community about our partnership and why are relationships and connections important?

AS: To live in a better world, we all have to start somewhere. When we start at home, we can focus on the issues that affect people closest to us. In Santa Barbara, there are approximately 44,000 seniors who are food insecure, and there are not enough systems to make it easy for at-risk community members to receive quality care. At Pilgrim Terrace, we believe that quality nutrition is a basic human right, and we do everything we can to support vulnerable community members with the care and solutions they deserve. By partnering with organizations like Alexander Gardens, we can multiply our impact to offer quality nutrition, care, and social opportunities to more people in our community who can truly benefit.