Growing Healthy

Last weekend I visited the place where my boyfriend works... a wonderful half of an acre urban farm that is booming with crops from edible flowers - to string beans - to 9 foot tomato plants and beyond. Every time I visit the farm I'm inspired, but this time was different- so much had changed in the few short months since I last visited, the farm is growing every day. And I'm so proud of the work that everyone does there, I wanted to boast it on here :-)

The Master Peace Community Farm is a fabulous green oasis amid a rolling desert of urbanism and nature-deficit disorder. In a time where food security and community are two aspects of human life being compromised and brought to light, the farm offers opportunities for individuals to engage with their neighbors, their earth, and their own health. It is part of the Engaged University of Riverdale, Maryland: an institution which seeks to link the plethora of human resources found within the University with their surrounding areas through a variety of formative and inspiring programs. The farm is just one of them, and it's creating more and more buzz as the years go by.

Three years ago, when the space was first initiated, it was nothing more than an empty lot. Today it is a fully-functioning urban farm which provides upwards of 20 community garden plots to families from the area, and numerous crops to sell to local businesses and to participate in the weekly Riverdale Park Farmer's Market. It provides educational programs on agriculture and nutrition for youth, and even supplies people with green jobs- a job sector that has been receiving a lot of attention recently in Washington.

And as the farm grows, it gains more attention from policy makers and other influential figures. Recently House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer visited the farm and expressed interest in the model that it could provide for other sustainable endeavors around the country. Hoyer mentioned his visit in a press release on his website.

This green space is a beautiful, truly peaceful area for folks who wish to enjoy the simple, yet necessary aspects of life- food, laughter, nature, and a connection with the community around us. The gates to the farm are never locked, creating a welcome and friendly atmosphere to anyone and everyone who wants to have a fulfilling, energizing experience working with the earth. Adults and children learn and work together here, sit and eat together in the farm's picnic area, and get a sense of real perspective about the food that we eat. The gardens create a sense of purpose, peace, and happiness for the community members who visit there.

Just think what the world would be like if every neighborhood had a Master Peace Community Farm. How much better would we relate to our neighbors? How much happier and healthier would our lives be with the beautiful simplicity of growing and eating healthy food for ourselves? How much more empowered would we all be?

Another world is possible, and this is an exciting and inspiring movement in a very positive direction. If you wanna learn more about community agriculture, and get involved with your nearest community garden, check out this site.