Detroit’s urban farming movement, which began in the 1890s, is now among the strongest in the U.S., with about 2,200 gardens and farms across the city. These urban farms play a vital role in providing access to fresh, healthy food, creating green spaces that benefit both body and mind, and bringing the community together. But they need our support to continue thriving.
The Power of Urban Farms
Urban farms are more than just plots of land where food is grown. They are hubs of community activity, education, and empowerment. They provide opportunities for physical activity, offer a connection to nature in the midst of the city, and increase access to fresh, locally grown produce. Urban agriculture also helps to improve food security, as well as the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the community.
In Detroit, urban farms like Earthworks and the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative are working to build a more just and sustainable food system through education, inspiration, and community engagement. They offer programs and resources to support other urban gardeners and farmers in the city, helping to ensure that everyone has access to the fresh, healthy food they need to thrive.
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can support Detroit’s urban farms and help them continue their important work:
- Volunteer Your Time: Many urban farms rely on volunteers to help with planting, weeding, harvesting, and other tasks. Earthworks Urban Farm, for example, is in dire need of help in their gardens. By volunteering, you can gain hands-on experience with urban farming while giving back to the community.
- Donate: Consider making a donation to support the work of urban farms and gardening organizations in Detroit. The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative is an all-volunteer organization that relies on donations to continue their programs. Your contribution can help them provide resources and support to other urban gardeners and farmers in the city.
- Join a Garden Resource Program: Programs like Keep Growing Detroit’s Garden Resource Program connect Detroit gardens with the resources they need to succeed. By joining, you can get technical support, seeds, transplants, and more to help your own garden thrive.
- Visit and Shop at Urban Farms: Detroitisit has rounded up a list of Detroit urban farms you can visit. By visiting these farms and purchasing their fresh, locally grown produce, you can support the important work they are doing and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
- Advocate for Urban Agriculture: You can also support Detroit’s urban farms by advocating for policies that support urban agriculture. Detroit’s first Urban Agriculture Director, Tepfirah Rushdan, is working to revolutionize city farming and improve gardener land access. By supporting her efforts and speaking out in favor of urban agriculture, you can help create a more supportive environment for these important initiatives.
The Future of Urban Farming in Detroit
Detroit’s urban farms are not just a nice idea – they are a necessity for building a healthier, stronger, more sustainable city. By supporting these initiatives, we can help ensure that everyone in Detroit has access to the fresh, healthy food they need to thrive. We can create green spaces that bring the community together and provide opportunities for education and empowerment. And we can build a more just and sustainable food system that benefits us all.
So let’s get involved and help support Detroit’s urban farms. Whether through volunteering, donating, joining a garden resource program, visiting and shopping at urban farms, or advocating for urban agriculture, there are many ways we can make a difference. Together, we can cultivate a healthier, stronger Detroit – one garden at a time.
About the Author: Jovan Shabazz is a passionate advocate for urban agriculture and sustainable food systems. He has been involved with Detroit’s urban farming movement for a number of years and currently volunteers at Eatin N The Streets Farms. He believes that by working together, we can build a healthier, stronger Detroit through urban agriculture.
Keywords: Detroit urban farm, urban farming, support Detroit urban farm, urban agriculture, community garden, sustainable food system, food security, environmental stewardship, community engagement, education, empowerment, green space, public health, well-being, access to healthy food, fresh produce, locally grown, volunteer, donate, garden resource program, advocacy.
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