Empowering Our Community Through
Urban Farming
Paving the Way for a
Healthier Future
The urgent need for farming within the Black community cannot be overstated. As we strive to provide essential sustenance for adults and children, many of our lower-income and marginalized neighborhoods are saturated with stores offering foods laden with high fructose syrups, preservatives, and other harmful ingredients. The fruits and vegetables supplied to schools and shelters in these areas often suffer from shortened freshness, perpetuating a cycle we're determined to change, swiftly and decisively.
AddressingChallenges inMetropolitan Areas
In these underserved communities, safety, welfare, and health are pivotal factors that directly shape the course of neighborhoods. For instance, when non-profits and community members focus on combating crime and theft within a specific block, positive outcomes emerge. Similar progress arises when attention is directed towards after-school activities. Hence, we concentrate our efforts on these critical areas of improvement.
Nurturing Urban Farming
for Change
In a step towards addressing these challenges, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced a bill in 2018 to incentivize residents in metropolitan areas to engage in urban farming. While the concept isn't new, the USDA has expanded the scope of urban farming, including educational initiatives and grants (with funding of up to $3 million as of July 2020). Additional financial support comes from AMS Grants and FSA loans.
Embrace Organic
Urban Farming
WeReinvest.org calls on every Black citizen residing in a metropolitan area of the United States to embrace organic urban farming, whether as a hobby or a business endeavor. Cultivate fresh produce and make the choice to consume or sell it. Consider contributing any surplus to local schools, shelters, and neighbors, fostering a sense of community and support. Encourage each other by forming farm clubs, and explore the potential of bartering your bounty.
Resources and Support forUrban Farmers
Across the United States, nearly every metropolitan city hosts a multitude of organizations – both for-profit and non-profit – dedicated to assisting new farmers. These programs often provide tuition-based courses for learning and certification. While WeReinvest.org does not endorse specific organizations, we've compiled links below for your reference, showcasing organizations in highly populated metropolitan areas where the Black community thrives. We encourage you to research and find an organization in your local area that aligns with your educational needs and aspirations.
Example Metropolitan Areas:
Nurturing Growth
Through OurForums
WeReinvest.org provides dedicated forums for sharing experiences, overcoming challenges, and refining your skills as an urban farmer. For those aiming to evolve their farming endeavors into thriving businesses, our "Growth Farming" program awaits. Collaborating with fellow Black-owned farmers within our forums, this initiative facilitates the bulk sale of harvests to local stores, schools, restaurants, and medium-to-large grocery chains.
Creating ChangeTogether
By engaging in urban farming, we're nurturing a healthier future for our children and offering a source of sustenance for our homeless and veteran communities. Let's create impactful change right in our local areas. Join us in cultivating positive transformation through farming. Register with WeReinvest.org today to embark on this journey of empowerment.
