Criminal Justice Major Connects with New Haven Community Through Volunteer Work

One of seven students serving at a local nonprofit as part of the University’s President’s Public Service Fellowship, Nicholas Hill ’20 is learning about the importance of addressing food insecurity through his work with CitySeed, a nonprofit that seeks to provide New Haven residents with access to fresh, local food.

July 11, 2019

By Nicholas Hill ’20

Working with CitySeed has been a joy. We work to address food insecurity and increase access to fresh food in the New Haven area. We do this through running farmer’s markets.

I spend the majority of my week in the office organizing events, working on our website and social media, and filling in wherever I am needed. We are often working under tight deadlines, which adds additional stress, but it’s to be expected in a nonprofit. My job is to make sure that everyone with the organization who needs help can finish their projects on time.

So far, my favorite part about my work is helping at the farmers markets every Sunday, where we run a bread stand and information booth. It has been a great experience to work outside and to meet all of the people who come to our markets.

"I had no idea that I would enjoy this experience so much or that it would be so valuable."Nicholas Hill ’20

This opportunity has given me the chance to help people in New Haven who struggle with food issues. I had not planned to work in this field, but I find myself really enjoying the people and the work I am doing.

As with any work, there are challenges, but these just turn into new learning experiences for me. The experiences I am gaining through this fellowship are helping me to not only build my professional skills, but they have also enabled me to develop a much closer connection to the New Haven community. I now have a better understanding of what it has to offer.

I had no idea that I would enjoy this experience so much or that it would be so valuable. Working with this organization and seeing how much joy and security can be brought to people through food has shown me how important this work is.

The President's Public Service Fellowship places University of New Haven students in a nonprofit or public service work environment for eleven weeks during the summer.