In 1992, after the riots burned out South Central Los Angeles a group of Meso-Americans living at the poverty level in that inner-city area were brought together at 41st and Alameda. There they created a 14-acre Eden out of a rat infested, garbage strewn, vacant lot given them by the city.
The South Central Farmers, as they came to be known, brought hope back to that battered and broken area and came to be the largest community endeavor of its kind in the country.
The South Central Farmers cultivated more than 150 species of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs and pushed out the confines of their concrete jungle. As the farm grew so did the farmers' ancient umbilical union with the earth; the life-affirming member of their collective cultural family and controlling their destiny by growing their own food was key to their heritage and pride.
Over the next 14 years the urban oasis became a source for local organic produce and equally important, a gathering place that created community out of a fragmented neighborhood.
In 2006, after a long battle against the city and a developer, the farmers stood strong as bulldozers encroached and police surrounded them. Their courageous struggle galvanized the city and made headlines around the country. Out of this tragedy the South Central Farmers Cooperative was born.
The farm was destroyed but the fight to restore it, and the need for quality produce in South Central Los Angeles and surrounding communities, remained.
In 2007 85 acres of prime farmland in Buttonwillow, CA, 2 hours north, of Los Angeles was donated to the farmers. The land had once been a farm but was overgrown and, more importantly, lacked a working well which would cost $200,000 to rebuild. The farmers' dream, to plant on land that could never be pulled away from them, was put on hold but their responsibility as a farming cooperative could not be.
So, for the last three years they have commuted to Bakersfield, not far from their donated property, where they have leased land in order to continue their work.
The cooperative has since grown to supply 11 farmers markets and more than 1500 customers in two counties with their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
Their CSA program is available in many educational institutions; UCLA, USC, Antioch University, Cal State Los Angeles Children's Center, Saturn Elementary, Richland Elementary, Echo Horizon Elementary, Hollywood School House, Camino Nuevo Charter School, and Waldorf School in Northridge.
The CSA supports over 23 drop off sites. On many occasions they donate thousands of pounds of produce to the inner city. It is their way of giving back and continuing their objectives to reduce alarming rates of diabetes in poor communities, and food deserts. Their produce enables healthier eating and brings about healthier communities and a better quality of life for all.
BREAKING NEWS ON THE SOUTH CENTRAL FARM!
On the eve of the groundbreaking for our donated land in Buttonwillow, and the 4th anniversary of losing our South Central Farm, a for-sale sign has gone up at 41st and Alameda!
The asking price - $16 million. So we are once again forced to raise enormous funds! We remain undaunted. We know we can do it. But only with your help and support...
Help us get this lot, still barren from being bulldozed, and regrow the largest urban farm in the country!
Every donation brings us closer to success!
