Category: Community

Say what you want about Detroit, but ...

There are some really great things going on here. Today, on my lunch break, I made the short trip from my downtown office to the final Grown in Detroit farmers market* of the season at Wayne State University.

I returned with a bag of arugula for a co-worker, a bunch of kale to cook at home, lunch from the Russell Street Deli stand at the market, and a cup of hot cider. Wow! What a haul! On my way back, I passed The Hub of Detroit bike shop and the Birdtown community garden.

I know there's a lot wrong with the city. And the suburbs. And the city/suburbs. But, I can't look away when I see these little seeds of hope -- each a testament to community members who believe we can grow and change in a positive way and have taken action to make that brighter future a reality. And, besides the dappled sunlight, crisp air and colorful produce at the market, I couldn't help but notice something else: The variety of people shopping and enjoying the day together -- black, white, Muslim, men, women, young, old, you name it. Maybe that's because good, fresh, healthy, affordable food is something everyone appreciates. The farmers market seems like a great equalizer in a land of great disparity. Fine, call me hippie-dippy. But, I think getting everyone together is the way to move forward.

There are a lot of young people opening up shops, working as activists, farming, creating art, voting and paticipating in the city and the Metro area, and to all of them, I say: Please stay. Don't give up! Please keep bringing people together and help make this city and this region be the best it can be.

*In January, Russell Street Deli will open a lunch stand inside the engineering building at Wayne State University, according to a fella working at their market stand.

Category: Community

Farming in Royal Oak?!

The Royal Oak Business Association, in partnership with 4-H, is spearheading an effort to launch community farm plots throughout the city that would utilize school district land.

The farm plots would be run by the association and 4-H, with significant student involvement. They would likely be sectioned off and sponsored by businesses and individuals, who would obtain their produce on-site.

The association has presented its ideas to the Royal Oak School District and will take its proposal to the School Board in September. It is also seeking input from the community. If you'd like to find out more or leave a comment, visit the association's Royal Oak Community Farm page or call David Baldwin of the Royal Oak Business Association at (248) 798 3460.

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Category: Community

Nice work, Earthworks!

A certified organic farm in Detroit? You betcha!

Earthworks Urban Farm, a program of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen has earned organic certification, making it the very first of its kind in Detroit.

"Organic certification is one tool to greatly increase the economic viability of small-scale, sustainable agriculture in this city" says Patrick Crouch, program manager of Earthworks. "Certification gives crops more value and assures the public that we are meeting standards for organic production."

The Earthworks project began 1997 on a small plot of land tended to by a Capuchin Soup Kitchen employee. It has grown substantially over the years, due in part to donations of time, money and materials, and continues to promote healthy living through consumption of fresh fruits and veggies. Earthworks grows over one hundred thousand seedlings each season for their own gardens, and for local, school and community gardens as well.

Last year, Earthworks moved away from distributing food to local markets and began to channel more energy into providing food for the soup kitchen. And although you can still find produce at the farmer's markets, most of their veggies are being served up fresh.

You can, however, start saving your pennies for the Wayne State Farmer's Market. On Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Earthworks, along with other local vendors, will be selling their produce, on Cass, behind the Detroit Public Library.

While Earthworks is widely known for its organic food production, they also host food justice potlucks and agricultural workshops, provide youth education, maintain a 30-hive apiary (bees!), and offer volunteer opportunities and cultural events!