Growing Power Milwaukee, WI

Growing Power was an urban farming and food justice non-profit with goals of sustainable food production, community growth and resiliency through the creation of local gardens and Community Food Systems. Education and workshops spread the mission worldwide.  

As Off-Site Farm Manager I led a team of three to oversee 12 farm sites throughout the city of Milwaukee. The goal was to grow food but we soon realized we had to make the utilitarian farms beautiful for the sake of the neighborhoods in which they were located. Often located on formerly abandoned lots, these lots had acted as de-facto community green space. While hoop houses helped grow year-round they were not pretty. Gardening the perimeters of each site attracted neighbor interest and promoted engagement and passive use. Combined with consistent outreach it enhanced neighborhood ownership of each farm site helping to reduce crime and vandalism at every location.