Urban Farming - Bringing the Freshness of the Country to the City

When you live in the city (and by city I mean downtown/urban/concrete jungle-type city) and you have a hankering for fresh veggies, what do you do? Well, the first thing that comes to mind is to visit a Farmer's Market. Then again, what if there isn't one in your area? What if the closest thing you can get to fresh vegetables is the frozen food section of the nearest neighborhood market? What if, even if there WAS a farmer's market in your neighborhood, you don't have any money to pay for fresh vegetables or fruits?

Some neighborhoods in urban areas are now choosing to grow their own fruits and vegetables on small plots of land that used to be vacant lots, or corners of city parks, or anywhere they can find a portion of land that could be used for this purpose. With many urban renewal projects underway in most large cities, it's relatively easy these days to get the city to donate an unused portion of land (such as a vacant lot) to be used for an urban farm. Neighborhood families are learning to form coalitions and to work together in order to make sure that they and their children are eating healthy, nutritious meals consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits. In many cases, grants can be acquired to help with the costs of urban farming enterprises. The U. S. Department of Agriculture has a program that funds urban farming. The program requires a dollar-for-dollar match on any funds it appropriates, meaning that funds must also be forthcoming from those participants in the urban farming project.

With this in mind, funds can be acquired in a number of ways. Usually what happens is that a few people who are interested in the project get together and form an organization dedicated to organizing and funding the urban farming project in their neighborhood. They hold neighborhood meetings and ask for volunteers to help till and plant and work in the neighborhood garden. They speak to city government officials to make sure they have access to a plot of land that can be used for the farm. They hold car washes, bake sales, or other events designed to raise money for the event. They ask for donations from local businesses, such as seed or farming tools. And usually someone from the coalition figures out how to apply for grants to help out with the costs.

Not only does urban farming provide fresh fruits and vegetables to people who otherwise might not have them, but it also builds a sense of community. It gives neighbors a chance to work together, to get to know each other, and to build and maintain friendships. It fosters a sense of neighborhood pride and general camaraderie. If your community is considering an urban farm, it's well worth the effort.

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