Malcolm X said, “Revolution is based on land. Land is the basis of all independence. Land is the basis of freedom, justice, and equality. Flanner Farms FEED program has a mission aligned with this revolution. The FEED (Farming, Employment, Education, Distribution) program at Flanner Farms is for individuals ages 16-24 who are homeless, not enrolled in school, or previously incarcerated. FEED interns work on our 1.8 acre farm daily and take various classes such as financial literacy, life skills, and workplace skills. Interns also work to obtain their HSE/GED, and social workers help with employment or school afterward.
According to Leah Penniman, author of Farming While Black, White neighborhoods have an average of four times as many supermarkets as predominantly Black communities. Unfortunately, racism is built into the US food system and often, Black folks are deprived of nutrient-rich foods. What we are dealing with in the United States today is called “food apartheid.” According to Penniman, this means that we have a human-created system of segregation that allows certain groups food abundance and prevents others from accessing nourishment. On the heels of the remaining Double 8 and Marsh stores closing, Flanner House established our farm and fruit orchard to address “food apartheid” in the Near-Northwest area.
Since 2017, Flanner Farms has allowed us to provide healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate produce to those who need it most, while becoming food secure and self-sufficient in the process.
In order to get involved with Flanner Farms or the FEED program, please email or call Sierra Cosby-- scosby@flannerhouse.org or 3179254231 ext. 280.