The Center for Regional Food Studies Award has supported my goals to strengthen my applied research skills and broaden my professional network within the realm of food security. Through the scholarship, I was provided a more confident foothold to start off what had begun as a stressful summer, professionally and financially. With my connection to CRFS, I have a more solid platform on which to build upon my past experiences in agriculture and agroforestry whilst also promoting myself as a professional within the realm of food studies and security. The scholarship assisted me on a research project with Associate Research Scientist and Professor, Dr. Stephanie Buechler, focused on understanding the role community gardens have played in the food security of under or unemployed gardeners under COVID-19 conditions.