e sse nt i al food & beverage
TROY
FARMS FARM
Photograph by Patricia Espedal
by Renata Solan Rooted, a nonprofit dedicated to “collaborations rooted in food, land, and learning,” emerged in January 2020 from the joining of two community-based nonprofits: Community GroundWorks and Center for Resilient Cities. One of the organization’s longest-standing projects is Troy Farm.
Photograph by Patricia Espedal
Troy Farm is part of the 26 acres of land Rooted stewards on Troy Drive along with Troy Kids’ Garden, Troy Community Garden, and an organically managed prairie. Troy Farm, which has been growing fresh organic food on Madison’s north side for more than 20 years, is membership based with a modified community supported agriculture (CSA) model. Members sign up for farm credit ahead of the growing season and then use that credit at the Troy Farm stand on Thursdays or at the Northside Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Since Troy Farm is part of Rooted, the farm’s work is able to extend as a social enterprise beyond growing food for members. Thanks to a long-standing partnership with the FairShare CSA as well as donor and partner contributions, Rooted can offer subsidized farm memberships and free produce boxes to income-qualified families, including those who are experiencing job loss as well as other factors. 20 | m a d i s o n e s s e n t i a l s
