This project developed a healthy local food system that also supported safety in the underserved Westwood community. The establishment of a large-scale, organic urban farm, weekly farmers' market, and Urban Farm Training Program provided job skills training and placement for residents (including promotoras) and youth, with the intention of addressing underlying inequities that contributed to violence. The urban farm provided an opportunity to bolster economic development and provide income to those living in the neighborhood. So that all Westwood youth would benefit from the Urban Farm, the project team worked with the juvenile justice system and the local school where the urban farm resides to refer youth to gardening, urban agriculture, and healthy food and activity programs. As youth improved their skills by working and volunteering on the Urban Farm, the fruits and vegetables that they harvested supported neighborhood healthy food access. Additionally, the project supported residents in creating backyard gardens, which grew from 6 to 80 gardens during the project period. Other efforts involved beautifying the neighborhood with community murals and leveraging pilot efforts to bring in additional resources, including a fruit orchard that was planted next to the urban farm.

 

Community team:

  • City Council District 3
  • Denver Public Health
  • Gang Rescue and Support Project (GRASP)
  • LiveWell Westwood
  • Metro Denver Partners
  • Revision International
  • Sisters of Color United for Education
  • Youth