My route

I was trying to take in a mixture of projects along the urban to rural axis. They were all food and/or seed producing (many producing flowers too) and were all, in some way, attempting to make social change in the world. Some were more focused on commercial production, some education, some community building. Many focused upon multiple of these things.

My route:

Project 1 – Truelove Seeds, Philadelphia

“Truelove Seeds is a seed company offering rare, open pollinated, and culturally important vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. Their seeds are grown by more than 20 small-scale urban and rural farmers committed to community food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and sustainable agriculture. This collaboration is an opportunity for growers to share their own seeds and stories and to bring in extra financial support for their food sovereignty and agroecological projects.”

Project 2 – East New York Farms, NYC

” The mission of East New York Farms! is to organize youth and adults to address food justice in their community by promoting local sustainable agriculture and community-led economic development.  East New York Farms! is a project of the United Community Centers in partnership with local residents. They have been working with youth, gardeners, farmers, and entrepreneurs to build a more just and sustainable community since 1998.”

Project 3 – Rock Steady Farm, Millerton, NY

“Rock Steady Farm is a women and queer-owned cooperative farm, rooted in social justice, growing speciality cut flowers and sustainable vegetables in Millerton, NY. They believe in utilizing holistic and sustainable farming practices that allow them to grow high quality vegetables, flowers and herbs for their community.”

Brief interlude to a one day course called Uprooting Racism in the Food System at Soul Fire Farm in upstate New York

Project 4 – Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, Detroit

“The Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, a program of North End Christian Community Development Corporation, is a non-profit,community-base organization dedicated to cultivating healthy foods, sustainable economies, and active cultural environments.” “honesty, integrity, respect, accountability, sharing, caring and love”

Project 5 – Planting Justice, Oakland, CA

“Planting Justice is a grassroots organization with a mission to empower people impacted by mass incarceration and other social inequities with the skills and resources to cultivate food sovereignty, economic justice, and community healing.”

Project 6 – Zenger Farm, Portland, OR

Zenger Farm is “a working urban farm that models, promotes and educates about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development and access to good food for all.”