I started volunteering at the farm a few months ago and each time I go, I learn more about growing food and how to harvest the different crops for our community. Carolyn shares the importance of what we are doing, and I agree with her--nobody in our county should go hungry when we have extra land and water to grow healthy food! I am amazed at the productivity of the farm and the variety of crops we have been able to grow. I am so thankful I found a volunteer position that allows me to be outside and help others!
I first learned about Coco San Sustainable Farm ( Aglantis) after reading about it in the Edible East Bay magazine. I was completely impressed by how one woman, Caroyln Phinney, was able not only to imagine bringing farm fresh produce to the Contra Costa Food Bank and local schools but she actually made it happen. So of course after reading her story I had to meet Carolyn and I had to volunteer on her farm.
What it took for Carolyn to get 15 acres of dirt to evolve into a beautiful and productive vegetable farm is nothing short of amazing.
I try to volunteer once a week at the farm and honestly wish I had more time. There is something so magical about working with the land, harvesting the produce and seeing the changes in the farm from week to week.
It’s also great to see the work and dedication of individuals like Carolyn in action, helping the community.
I really enjoy being a part of something so significant as volunteering at a farm that was built to provide nutritiously balanced meals to those in need of healthier food choices. I love that I get to help and also learn more about gardening/growing food. I've enjoyed the times that I have spent on the farm learning and harvesting.
This is just such an amazing project in so many ways. It's about feeding people in need; growing food sustainably and locally; using a local and sustainable water source (recycled water); teaching young people new career building skills in a way that inspires them; and bringing people together to build community, learn about the environment, and have fun. And there's much more!
I volunteered to get involved at the garden, And the response was very quick and welcoming. The meetup ap makes volunteer opportunities very easy
This organization is doing amazing work using creative and sustainable urban agriculture methods to deliver high quality, nutritious produce to schools and communities in need.
AgLantis runs the CoCoSan Sustainable Farm, a 15 acre piece of Central San buffer land. They demonstrate the value of using agricultural grade recycled water and buffer land to grow food to donate to the Food Bank and other non-profits. They address the food equity issue and also do hands on STEM education and job training. This project promotes economic development in general, and specifically along the Northern Waterfront in Contra Costa County. They address many area of environmental education. As a Board Member of Central San I'm proud of their work and outreach.
Michael R. McGill, P.E.; Board President Central San
This urban farm produces so much! When I go for volunteering, we usually harvest hundreds of pounds of vegetables, and take them to donate to food bank and other charity organizations. The work that we put in is directly translating into all the vegetables produced and immediately helping the local community. It's such a great experience to be part of this nonprofit group.
I volunteered here yesterday and loved it!!! It sure is nice to be out there doing nice things for others!!!!
I volunteered at the farm for the first time for Michelle Obama's 1st Day of Service on aMartin Luther King Jr. weekend many years ago. I've watched it grow, literally, from an empty lot with hard dirt to a vibrant, beautiful, eco-friendly, sustainable farm producing 10's of thousands of pounds of beautiful organic produce to local food banks and more. I've enjoyed volunteering with a diverse group of volunteers of all ages to help plant, nurture and harvest herbs and vegetables. I can't say enough great things about this project and everyone involved - especially Ms. Carolyn. :)
Aglantis is the realization of a utopian dream of turning waste products and waste land into a Garden of Eden which provides fresh, nutritious produce for poor and hungry people. It is 21st century alchemy which turns lead into gold. It has been a privilege for me to be an Aglantis volunteer. I hope that the Aglantis model will be replicated across the country, and around the world.