January 24th 2024.
Local Lands, a farm owned by members of the Black community in Georgia, is working towards making fresh and healthy food options more accessible to people in the state. Thanks to a generous grant from a local nonprofit organization, The Common Market Southeast, Local Lands is able to expand their reach and impact even more communities.
The grant program, specifically designed to support Black, Indigenous, and women farmers, is providing resources for Local Lands and other diverse farms to increase their production and provide sustainable and nutritious food to underserved areas. In an interview with 11Alive, Local Lands expressed their gratitude for the additional financial support and how it will allow them to produce for a wider range of consumers, including schools, hospitals, and government entities.
This grant has also enabled Local Lands to increase their production of pasture-raised eggs by five times their previous rate. According to Raphaela Ysrael, a member of Local Lands, the grant has helped them lower the cost of their eggs, making them more affordable for the general public. This is especially important for small family farms like Local Lands, who may not have the same financial resources as larger farms.
Not only does this grant program provide financial assistance for diverse farmers, but it also has a direct impact on the communities they serve. By supporting these farmers, the program is promoting sustainability and equity within the local food system. This has been a long-standing issue for historically underserved farmers who have been excluded from wholesale opportunities. Bill Green, Executive Director of The Common Market Southeast, explains that this program builds on previous efforts to engage and support these farmers, especially during the pandemic.
Apart from widening sales opportunities, these farmers are also addressing the issue of food deserts in underserved communities. Asa Ysrael, head farmer at Local Lands, emphasizes the importance of their "target focus" on the southern side of metro Atlanta, where access to fresh and organic food is limited. According to Oxford Languages, a food desert is an urban area where it is difficult to find affordable and healthy food options. By prioritizing and providing accessible and affordable groceries to these areas, these farmers are making a significant impact on the health and well-being of these communities.
Local Lands and other Black-owned farms are not only committed to their own growth and success but also to the well-being of their communities. EliYahu Ben Asa, a member of Local Lands, explains that as farmers and members of the Black community, they have a responsibility to their community and take that role seriously. They see themselves as pillars of the community and strive to foster strong relationships with the people they serve.
It is initiatives like these that are making a positive impact on underserved communities and addressing the issue of food deserts. As a Black-owned farm, Local Lands is setting an example for others in the industry and making a significant difference in the lives of Georgia residents. This aligns with their values and mission to serve their community and promote sustainability in the food industry. The efforts of Local Lands and other Black-owned farms are crucial in combatting food deserts and ensuring that everyone has access to fresh and healthy food options.
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