Nourishing Neighbors, Enriching Community

A food forest takes shape in Miami

Tucked amid the vibrant energy and culture of Miami, you will find the Brownsville neighborhood. This community is home to approximately 17,000 residents, most of whom live with food insecurity daily. In this primarily Black and Hispanic neighborhood, the average household income is almost 30% below the poverty line, and access to fresh produce is practically nonexistent.

Brownsville is what is known as a food desert, lacking access to traditional supermarkets. And unfortunately, food deserts are alarmingly common. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 24 million Americans live in areas with limited or no access to grocery stores that offer fresh produce.

Like so many food deserts, Brownsville was left with little hope … until the community came together and grew it.

Growing a bountiful green space

One way to battle food insecurity is by creating green spaces where people can come together and grow their own food. It’s a unique opportunity for neighbors to ease their hunger, connect to the land, and nurture relationships — an opportunity that has been brought to life in Brownsville with the help of the Arbor Day Foundation.

The Brownsville Community Garden project came about from a desire to empower residents through urban farming. Dr. Enid Pinkney, a local legend and community activist, donated a quarter-acre lot behind her home to become a place of security and belonging. “I am very happy that people have come to work on the land,” said Dr. Pinkney. “This is a teaching experience; it’s a learning experience; it’s a building history experience.”

From planning, to funding, to digging up soil and planting trees, the Brownsville Community Garden was brought to life through the commitment of local organizations, generous volunteers, and engaged residents. The day the garden was installed, 45 fruit trees and a variety of vegetables were planted.

The Brownsville Community Garden has brought neighbors together. They work the land, kneeling side by side, hands in the dirt, sharing cultures, experiences, and soon, food. Gone is a bit of the insecurity; a bit of the uncertainty; a bit of the injustice.