Meet the Midwestern Mom Who Grew Her Backyard Garden Into a Community Farm
Des Moines, Iowa: Our goal is to inspire our neighbors to think of composting as another bin you put out to be picked up.
By Karla Walsh
All Recipes
February 28, 2025
Excerpt:
I worked in restaurants through my teens and 20s, then shifted into social work until the birth of my first child in 2016. I wanted to be “Monika” to the kids nearby and not just another lady in the neighborhood, so I worked with the city to be able to turn a vacated pocket park next door into my first garden space. Then, I invited the neighborhood kids to help me water my raised beds and flowers.
When they were around, I realized that most of the kids were eating “dinners” of snacks from the gas station, the only food retailer within walking distance. I live in a part of town that experienced some of the most redlining in the entire city, and there is a significant lack of resources and access in my neighborhood. After living and truly being in a community with my neighbors, the question became more “Why would I not farm?” rather than “Why would I?”
As a pastor’s kid, I grew up with the tradition of potlucks, soup suppers, and making large quantities of food for your people. It was ingrained in me early on to relish the sharing, the thanks, and the experience of eating together. I was so fascinated and excited to be part of that mix because my mother had—and still has—no real interest in cooking. (Sorry, Mom!)
I also saw very quickly that food is something that can diffuse, soothe, and also excite. Food shows up when there is a death and when there is a birth. Making someone food is an act of love made visible, and I’ve never let go of that.
Read the complete article here.
Source: https://cityfarmer.info/meet-the-midwestern-mom-who-grew-her-backyard-garden-into-a-community-farm/
