Feeding a city, one garden at a time

Hello! Lena here, staff writer at Modern Farmer.

In my neighborhood, there are a few small urban gardens. This time of year, they’re overflowing with chard, zucchini, tomatoes—even apples and Italian plum trees. 

The urban farmers who tend these spaces work hard to keep them abundant and accessible, just as they do in other cities across the country. But who owns the land beneath these gardens, and what happens to these micro-farms—and the communities who rely on them—if that land is sold?

This week, contributor Tracy Abiaka takes us on a journey to Philadelphia, where hundreds of formerly vacant lots have been transformed into lush gardens feeding some of the city’s most food-insecure neighborhoods. But pressure from developers, the burden of tax liens, and other uncertainties are making it harder than ever to hold onto these parcels, and their numbers are now in decline. Join Tracy as she brings us along to meet the folks advocating for these gardens and fighting to continue feeding their neighbors.

A quarter of Philadelphia's population lives below the poverty line and many face food insecurity. Community gardens and farms help provide a solution, but some are being threatened by rising development.

Also fresh this week

P.S. One of my colleagues is currently working on a fun little piece about everyone favorite niche dating site, Farmers Only. Do you happen to know anyone who met their significant other on the site? If so, and they are cool with it, pass their contact info my way! We’d love to hear their story.

~ Lena

Weekly Action | Find a community garden near you using this map. You can also add yours if it’s not already there.

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