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Sow Today, Reap tomorrow

 Building food power is long-term work, but action starts now. This page focuses on first steps, policy recommendations, and a timeline that moves from immediate pilots to permanent community-owned infrastructure.

Building Power, One Step at a Time

First Steps & Policy Recommendations

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Funding: The First Commitment

Emphasize the need for grants and external support to cover supplies, taxes, and permits for community gardens and food projects.

List key funders and programs (USDA NIFA People’s Garden, Community Food Projects grants, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, local initiatives like GrowMemphis, etc.).

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Food Production & the Black Farmers Brand

Organize 10+ sites (churches, resident groups, farms) to convert land into community gardens focused on feeding neighbors, not profit.

Build the Black Farmers Brand to help regional Black farmers place products in major stores and local outlets, using wholesale sales to fund future community-owned groceries.

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Soil Quality & Safety

Highlight the need for soil testing for toxins like lead.

Encourage use of university labs and raised beds where needed to keep residents safe.

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Security & Shared Stewardship

Address security without exclusion: involve neighbors early to build ownership rather than relying solely on fences and locks.

Note that gardens can access insurance and security guidance via groups like the American Community Gardening Association.

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  • Form a Food Power Coalition

  • Launch a pilot CSA

  • Host weekly farmers markets

  • Create a Black Farmers Cooperative

  • Expand community gardens and add new church partners

Immediate Actions (0-12 months)

Community Gardening Group

  • Grow the CSA and cooperative based on what works

  • Add mobile grocers to complement markets

  • Conduct a cooperative grocery feasibility study

  • Develop food processing capacity to support local farmers

  • Launch urban agriculture workforce training

Medium Term Actions (1-3 years)

Farmer Using Tablet

  • Open a community cooperative grocery store

  • Establish neighborhood food hubs and move toward a “garden on every block”

  • Build connections with other Memphis neighborhoods

  • Create a regional network of community-controlled food systems

Long Term Actions (3-10 years)

Farmers With Produce
“You can’t plant a garden without planting trust first.”

Willie McDonald Jr., Farmer and Organizer

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