Community Resilience Shines at Southside Community Farm in Asheville
Asheville is a city well-known for its beautiful mountains, vibrant arts scene, and rich culture. But it is also a place where community spirit thrives, especially in the heart of the Southside neighborhood. For years, the Southside Community Farm (SCF) has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for people of all ages, focusing on food sovereignty, environmental education, and racial justice. This Black-led nonprofit has become an essential resource, particularly for residents of three historically segregated public housing developments.
Weathering the Storm: Hurricane Helene
Recently, SCF faced a significant challenge when Hurricane Helene swept through the area. The storm caused various damages, from structural issues to disruptions in their essential services. Kate Wheeler, the farm’s administrator, reported, “We’ve been mitigating the landscape for ten years to combat flooding, so while we’ve experienced structural damage to our hoop house and lost the doors to our public pantry, other destruction has been minimal.” It’s remarkable how this organization’s proactive measures played a role in minimizing overall damage.
Nourishing the Community
Even before the hurricane hit, Southside Community Farm was stepping up to fill a significant gap in the community. With no grocery store in the area, they have been providing fresh produce and vital staples through various programs, including their Feed AVL Veggie Box and a seasonal BIPOC Farmers Market. The aftermath of the hurricane only heightened their sense of duty. Now, they’re hustling more than ever to ensure residents receive the food and supplies they need.
“We have been personally delivering produce, shelf-stable items, and other necessities like propane, charcoal, bleach, and wet wipes to Southside residents,” says Wheeler. “This helps those who find it difficult to get to public distribution centers due to various challenges, whether it be work hours, childcare, or mobility issues.” It’s truly heartwarming to see neighbors helping neighbors during such tough times, and SCF is committed to building long-lasting connections within the community.
Expanded Educational Opportunities
But SCF isn’t just about food; they aim to empower the youth as well. Under the guidance of their new youth educator and community engagement manager, Lydia Koltai, the farm is set to expand its educational programming. “Lydia is a Black farmer and mother with years of experience and a deep commitment to the work,” shares Wheeler. With this new staff addition, SCF plans to offer a comprehensive agroecology curriculum, which will further engage children and families in learning about sustainable farming and food systems.
Farm manager Chloe Moore expresses her passion, saying, “Our youth education program is so important because it gets the kids to engage with food in a new way. By the end of the program, they are all excited to eat fruits and veggies from the farm.” It’s not just about healthy eating; it’s about nurturing a new generation of farmers, chefs, scientists, and environmental stewards.
A Unique Natural Space
Despite a decade of dedicated work in the community, the future of Southside Community Farm hangs in the balance. The Asheville Housing Authority is considering replacing the farm’s space with a playground for a nearby center. “The youth at the Edington Center have many nearby recreational spaces, whereas SCF offers a unique natural playground,” Moore explains. This “living lab,” she points out, provides essential learning opportunities about science, agriculture, and environmental stewardship that parks simply can’t offer.
How Can You Help?
As SCF continues to work diligently through recovery efforts, building community bonds, and nurturing the next generation, they welcome support from the larger community. If you’re interested in the farm’s Hurricane Helene relief efforts or their mission to protect this valuable community resource, consider reaching out to them directly.
Community resilience shines brightly in Asheville, especially at Southside Community Farm, where every seed planted and every relationship nurtured contributes to a brighter future for all.
