Addressing food deserts to bring US urban communities nutritious food
Located Ohio, Fresh Roots is a Black, woman-owned urban farm that is reshaping how its community accesses fresh, healthy food. Beyond being a place to grow produce, Fresh Roots is committed to addressing food insecurity, fostering self-reliance, and championing sustainable agricultural practices, especially within food deserts. This is a recurrent challenge in the US, where there are areas where residents have few to no convenient options for securing affordable and healthy foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.
The story of Fresh Roots began with its founder, Jada, whose vision was sparked by a simple desire: for her children to harvest their own vegetables. This aspiration quickly grew into a deeper mission, inspired by the lack of fresh food options in urban neighborhoods like hers. In areas dominated by fast food and convenience stores, where grocery stores are scarce, Jada saw an opportunity to equip her community with the tools to grow their own produce.
Empowering communities through food sovereignty
Jada's work has been shaped by her experiences, particularly as a mother. Watching her 5-year-old daughter and other children interact with food, she realized many kids today have no connection to how it’s grown. Through her efforts, Jada teaches young people not only where their food comes from but also how to grow it themselves. “They love watching things grow,” she shares, noting how these early experiences can help children make informed choices as they get older.
Fresh Roots goes beyond education, too. Jada supports families in setting up their own gardens, giving them greater control over their food sources. This effort is part of a broader commitment to food sovereignty—the belief that communities should guide how their food is grown and distributed. Through building home gardens and offering fresh, locally grown produce, Fresh Roots is encouraging residents to take charge of their health and nutrition.
Sharing knowledge and sustainable practices beyond the neighborhood
Jada’s ambitions don’t stop with her neighborhood. She’s keen to connect with other communities, learning about their farming methods and discovering which plants thrive in different climates. This open-minded approach drives her to continuously refine her practices, while remaining rooted in her commitment to sustainable farming.
In a time when nutritious food can feel out of reach, Fresh Roots offers a powerful example of how urban farms can transform neighborhoods. Growing locally, teaching the next generation, and helping others start their own gardens, are strategies Fresh Roots implements to build resilience and strengthening connections between people and the land. With a focus on community-led agriculture, Fresh Roots is shaping a future where everyone has access to healthy, homegrown food.
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