Kristine
According to the UN, over 66% of the world’s population is likely to live in cities by 2050. People living in these urban areas may find themselves in food deserts, where they must rely on food grown in other locations. This potential problem really came to light when the COVID-19 lockdowns occurred in the first few months of 2020 and grocery stores struggled to keep up with customer demands.
“More people are thinking about where their food comes from, how easily it can be disrupted, and how to reduce disruptions,” explains landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom. She strongly believes that communities should creatively use the space they have available to them to grow their own fruits and vegetables. “Urban farming can improve food security and nutrition, reduce climate change impacts, and lower stress,” Voraakhom says.
In the US, urban greenhouses and community gardens have been flourishing in several notable cities long before the coronavirus pandemic. Hopefully, these successful examples will inspire more communities to launch similar initiatives in their own regions.
St. Louis, Missouri
The FOOD ROOF Farm in St. Louis spans an impressive 8,500 square feet and supports more than 200 types of edible plants for the community to enjoy. The location provides a multifunctional place for community members to come together and learn more about green initiatives, as well as a chicken house, a “living wall,” and a greenhouse. Located in the center of a bustling city, the FOOD ROOF has attracted innovators including agronomists, structural engineers, architects, horticulturalists, and other talented individuals to continuously improve the garden.
Chicago, Illinois
City Farm in Chicago, Illinois has been a thriving sustainable farm for over 30 years. In recent years, the organization has also become passionate about turning abandoned lots into community gardens to increase residents’ access to fresh food. A certain percentage of the City Farm’s output is given to local food banks and pantries, and volunteers provide education to community members about sustainable urban farming. City Farm hosts events, provides after-school programs for kids, has volunteer days, and provides other opportunities for people to connect with nature and their neighbors.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle community members went above and beyond when they established the 7-acre Beacon Food Forest project. This area is designed to provide plenty of fresh food including a berry patch, a nut grove, an “edible arboretum” filled with fruit trees, and a community garden where residents can grow their own vegetables. Beacon Food Forest is welcoming to everyone in need of food, with organizers emphasizing that caring for the earth and caring for people are their top priorities.
