Cultivate Charlottesville’s mission is to build an equitable and healthy food system through its three programs: City Schoolyard Garden, Food Justice Network, and Urban Agriculture Collective. Jordan Johnson, City Schoolyard Garden Program Director, talked with us about the organization's work with schools and the community.
How does the community benefit from Cultivate’s work?
Our goal is continuing to enhance community and student leadership in the food system. We work closely with many neighborhoods in the city to ensure equitable access to healthy foods for all residents. We prioritize neighborhoods, predominantly historically black neighborhoods, that have not been engaged in conversation around city development and planning in the food system.
Where is Cultivate’s work done?
Cultivate focuses its efforts solely in the city and Charlottesville public schools.
Are there future goals for growth or otherwise within the organization?
With the much needed redevelopment of low-wealth housing options in Charlottesville, Cultivate has lost some foundational gardens. Through our current Power to Grow campaign, we are advocating, with community interest, in starting an urban farming plot at Booker T Washington Park.
To learn more about how Cultivate Charlottesville works toward creating food equity in Charlottesville, visit cultivatecharlottesville.org.
How Community Members Can Get Involved
- Cultivate is always seeking volunteers to attend community workdays. Volunteers enhance the gardens and engage students during the Harvest of the Month program. Community members can sign up for Cultivate’s newsletter to get volunteer updates.
- Cultivate is always looking for community donations of any size to keep its programs well-funded.