Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Miller.
Hi Jessie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After experiencing chronic hunger in his childhood – Jessie took initiative to help feed his community with fresh garden grown foods. What began by leaving baskets of vegetables with a sign reading “take what you can use” led to him starting the Walipini Impact. The walipini is a partially underground greenhouse that uses warmth from the soil to grow food through the winter without needing supplemental heat. Walipini Impact now grows food for donation to the nearby USU SNAC student pantry and also building growing structures abroad for food insecure communities. Their mission reads “Feeding The World – One Community at a Time”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When Jessie started, many people doubted the ability of the structure to grow food through the winter without needing heat. As well, that a college student could pursue such an ambitious goal. Despite struggles finding funding, building a team, and balancing school – Jessie has been persistent and found success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Walipini Impact. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Walipini Impact is a nonprofit with the goal of feeding the world through empowering communities to grow their own fresh foods. In addition to donations of food using their walipini structure in Logan, they have also completed growing structures in food insecure communities in Uganda and Guatemala. They are currently working with the Hunger Solutions Institute at Utah State University to build a walipini dedicated to supplying food insecure students at USU with fresh foods.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Jessie is assisted by Sam Kelley, Tifiny Mills, Andrew Marino, and Kyron Nell. Who’s expertise and support have helped bring Walipini Impact where it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.walipiniimpact.com
- Instagram: @walipini_company
