Heart & Soil People’s Garden a Vibrant Hub

As a fifth-generation farmer, (which I did not know when I started farming) I now draw inspiration from the women in my family who have been working the land through sharecropping and farming for generations.

Posted by Nina Bhattacharyya,
Senior Technical Specialist,
People’s Garden Initiative Coordinator
USDA Apr 2, 2024

Excerpt:

Chanika Forte, founder of Heart & Soil People’s Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, shared her reflections on the connections between women, gardening, and food justice. A dedicated advocate for community empowerment, environmental sustainability, and food sovereignty, Chanika is also the founder of BaeHive and ABC Mobile, a beekeeping program and education platform that promote sustainable agriculture.

Heart & Soil People’s Garden is a vibrant hub for women and people of color to grow and share fresh, healthy produce, develop valuable skills, and contribute to a thriving, eco-conscious community. They offer workshops and classes, markets, and garden plots for growers living within a three-mile radius.

Chanika: The rich history of women’s involvement in agriculture — from tending crops to advocating for food justice — fuels my passion for creating positive change. The resilience and determination exhibited by women throughout history serve as a reminder that I am part of a long lineage of women who have worked the land… (We seek to) continue their legacy by empowering women of all backgrounds to connect with the earth, cultivate their own food, and reclaim their place in the agricultural landscape.

Read the complete article here.