This farm is a healing oasis of plant growth in an area of the city where cement and brick have long reigned. It's a place where community happens and invites anyone to enjoy it, work in it, and notice it. I've volunteered a few times at this urban farm pulling weeds and nourishing new plants. Much of the produce grown on the farm is finding its way to local families at reduced cost or for free. I hope that Garfield Community Farm continues to sprawl in fantastic ways, summoning neighbors and care takers who believe in the good work of earth and nourishment for all living creatures.
The farm has grown from a few small garden plots to a multifaceted community organization inside the last decade. Production of food for the neighborhood of Garfield is just the beginning! The farm has become a place for both large events and individual solitude, a space for teaching, playing, working, and worship. My favorite thing about the farm is how it connects such a variety of people from all over the region to its mission and to the neighbors of Garfield. Every year there is something new taking shape! Come take a look for yourself or ask a volunteer for a tour -- we love showing off the farm to new visitors!!
A place of peace, refuge, and restoration. I love spending time at GCF with my family...walking through the sensory Peace Labyrinth, feeding the animals, making pizzas in the cob oven, or just sitting in one of the gardens watching the bees work their magic. I also enjoy getting my hands dirty...pulling weeds, mowing grass, or harvesting vegtables. The food they grow is not only delicisious, but it is also grown using sustainable (organic) methods and provides education and healthy food for so many people in the neighborhood....especially children!
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Garfield Community Farm for about 7 years, and it has been a joy to watch them grow and see their impact on the community. I began working with them as a seminary intern bringing Sr. High youth to work at the farm. Now as a pastor of a church nearby I still make it part of our rhythm of life to bring youth and adults out to work at the farm. Not only is the mission of the farm so meaningful, but the place itself is beautiful and special, serving as a mission to us who serve.
GarfieldCommFarm 08/15/2017
Great to hear your story! Thanks for sharing, and staying connected to the farm.
I have been working alongside the farm for over two years now. I have high-school and junior high-school aged student volunteer once a month and they have found the experience so wonderful and personally fulfilling. Our youth have had the opportunity to weed, build fencing to keep deer out, build place to shade yourself and sit, harvest vegetables, and have fun! Their mission to and focus to serve the neighborhood of Garfield if truly inspiring. They are such a wonderful organization and do such incredible work in their community. We need more Farms across our communities like this!!! Our
GarfieldCommFarm 08/15/2017
Thank you and glad that your youth have found the time here so meaningful. Look forward to seeing you again soon!
GarfieldCommFarm 08/15/2017
Thanks for sharing what you most love about the farm: a great list!