Urban Farm Initiative

Providing Healthy Food for the Mecklinburg County, NC Community
Moriah Hemingsway Health Foundation Urban Farm Initiative
In 2008 Dr. Gaffney created a Veteran’s Community Garden where vegetables grown were shared with participating veterans. The effort was recognized by the City of Charlotte by the Office of the Mayor. The garden project was commemorated by the then Mayor Anthony Fox. who went on to become Secretary of Transportation in the Obama Administration.
The Problem
Nearly 15 percent of Mecklenburg County’s population lives in what the U.S. Department of Agriculture calls food deserts — low-income communities where most residents don’t have access to a full-service grocery store or supermarket carrying nutritious food. That figure exceeds the national average of 11 percent and North Carolina’s statewide average of 13 percent. East Charlotte has loss 3 supermarkets in recent years Harris Teeter, Hanniford’s Foods from the old Eastland Mall site and a Food Lion within five miles of this location.In West Charlotte, specifically the West Boulevard and areas along Brookshire Boulevard, have face a severe, 30-year food desert crisis, lacking full-service grocery store which has forced a reliance on convenience stores and processed foods
Historical Precedents and Justification
The potential efficacy of community-based agricultural initiatives is well-supported by historical precedents. The work of Booker T. Whatley, a pioneering horticulturist, provides a foundational model for successful, diversified, small-scale farming operations. Whatley advocated for high-value crops, year-round income streams, and direct-to-consumer marketing strategies, including what he termed "Clientele Membership Clubs"—a precursor to modern Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs [1] [2] [3]. His "10 Commandments" for small farms emphasized efficiency, profitability, and community engagement, principles that are highly relevant to the proposed initiative.
Partnering Organizations
The AME Zion Church - Piedmont Region :Bishop Darryl B. Starnes Presiding Bishop Sugar Creek OfficeDr. Laticia Godette MonroeDr. Wadell Henderson CharlotteDr. Andrew Stifle CharlotteThe AME Zion Church will coordinate educational meetings in east, west and north CharlotteAugustus Institute for the Sciences and Medicinal ArtsBlue Star Mothers NC -15 chapterAmerican Legion Post 380Livingstone CollegeJohnson C. Smith UniversityJohnson and Wales UniversityCentral Piedmont Community CollegeCommunity Culinary School of Charlotte
Our Solution
Urban Model Mini-Farm and Satellite Garden CentersHigh density healthy food A cooperative model that allows different urban farms to share products This broadens the available offeringsA collaborative farmers market model for the general communityA distribution system for those who join on-line but can not physically pick up food harvestsA community kitchen that prepares food in the most health mannerA food truck that can delivery prepared meals to elderly and homeless veteransThis would be a healthy delivery service that would replace the now cut Meals on Wheels program.
Project Vision and Design
Establish a Model Mini-Farm in West CharlotteEstablish two Satellite Garden Sanctuaries (North and East Charlotte)Engage the community ambassadors and volunteer teams in West, North, and East Charlotte working in concert with Field Project Coordinators and two Field Project AssociatesEstablish Healthy People Initiatives in coordination with the AME Zion Church locations throughout Mecklenburg County to reach deeper into various sectors of the communityEstablish community kitchen: teaching kitchen open to community demonstrating how to prepare healthy food from Garden
Project Vision and Design Continued Community kitchen demonstrations to be led by local Chefs Hands on teaching sessions to be coordinated by students from Johnson and Wales University, Central Piedmont Community College, Community Culinary School of CharlotteNutritional teaching sessions to be coordinated by students from John C. Smith University and Livingstone College Establishment of Farmers Markets in West and East Charlotte open to Mecklenburg and engaging local commercial farmers in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties

Food as Medicine and Nourishing Traditions

Central to the initiative's mission is the integration of medicinal herbs with nutrient-dense crops, offering alternative avenues for the community to optimize wellness [1]. This approach signifies a return to traditional lifestyles, reintroducing practices such as foraging and wildcrafting—processes that historically supported marginalized populations for centuries [1]. By doing so, the project aims to reconnect individuals with ancestral knowledge and sustainable food acquisition methods. The initiative will innovate the "Food as Information" conversation, transitioning from the familiar "food as medicine" curriculum to a broader understanding of food's role in holistic well-being [1]. This expanded perspective will encompass not only the direct health benefits of specific foods but also the cultural, ecological, and informational aspects of food systems.

Lasting Effects Beyond the Project

Establishment of deserving student scholarships at participating schools The Congresswoman Alma Adams / Moriah-Hemingsway Health Foundation Scholarship Scholarships to be provided beginning August 2026 Participating institutions Johnson C. Smith University Livingstone College Johnson and Wales University Central Piedmont Community College Community Culinary School of Charlotte