July 13, 2022
Seeds of hope
Around Town
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Features (FLIP)
Submitted photo Community Action Agency of St. Louis County began the Seeds of Hope Farm, located in the Spanish Lake area, in 2012 to help residents get access to healthy and affordable produce through an income-tiered model.
Community Action Agency of St. Louis County started the Seeds of Hope Farm to help residents get access to healthy and affordable produce By Wendy Todd According to the USDA, about 13.5 million people live in food deserts, which occurs when a substantial share of residents does not have easy access to a supermarket or large grocery store. This is also local issue as Missouri has over 100 food deserts. One St. Louis organization, Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, is working to address food insecurity and offer the community learning opportunities to sustain healthier lifestyles. The nonprofit began the Seeds of Hope Farm, located in the Spanish Lake area, in 2012 to help residents get access to healthy and affordable produce through an in-
come-tiered model. The organization also supports community garden groups and hosts free cooking and gardening classes. The project works to address issues of food insecurity from a holistic perspective. “The farm has a strategy to increase food security and self-sufficiency skills over the long-term,” said, Jake Smith, the farm’s manager. “Seeds of Hope Farm works to help participants feel more empowered and confident in cooking healthy meals and growing some of their own produce either at home or in a community garden. As costs of living continue to rise, cooking and gardening help people have more control over their health and pocketbooks.” In addition to providing affordable healthy
options and programming, CAASTLC also distributes about five tons of organic produces via participation in food pantries and the farm’s subscription plan, the Community Supported Agriculture program. The Seeds Hope Farm also extends itself to youth education initiatives. “The ‘STEM on the Farm’ program serves young minds with hands-on learning experiences which bring classroom lessons to life,” Smith said. “By enhancing early exposure to STEM, CAASTLC seeks to counter educational inequity and improve student outcomes in those fields of study which offer critical opportunities for upward economic See ‘HOPE’ page 2
Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 101 No. 28 | 636-379-1775
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