Sowing the Seeds of Equity: The Impact of Avenue 33 and the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund
I founded my initiative Our Seat at the Table as a way demonstrate the power of food to create change, foster connections, and promote equity in my community and beyond. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working with other local organizations striving to meet the same goals in a variety of different inspiring ways. My recent visit to Avenue 33, an urban farm supported by the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund (ASLF), was truly an eye-opening experience and not only reaffirmed these beliefs, but shed light on the profound impact sustainable farming can have on communities.
Avenue 33, nestled in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, is more than just a farm. It is a dynamic space where education, sustainability, and food equity come together. Led by Farmer Eric Tomassini, who transitioned from studying physics to farming, the farm has grown into a vital resource for the community, providing fresh produce and an abundance of educational opportunities.
A little bit about the farm and its practices - Avenue 33 stands out for its commitment to regenerative soil practices and historical methods for farming on hillsides. The farm employs integrated pest management strategies, such as using insect netting and organic foliar sprays, to maintain plant health and reduce the need for chemical pesticides. This approach ensures that the produce is both healthy and environmentally friendly. Additionally, the farm's system of agroforestry involves creating a lush overstory of shade-providing trees that protect and nourish diverse crops in the soil below, fostering a holistic tiered ecosystem. This closed cycle supports over 50 varieties of vegetables and 15 varieties of fruits, maximizing yield and sustainability.
Although these methods are quite special, Avenue 33’s integration with local schools is what truly makes it stand out in the community. At the core of its mission, the farm offers hands-on learning experiences for students, teaching them about sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits. High school students participate in farming projects during school hours, while younger children visit for field trips. These programs not only educate students about where their food comes from but also promote healthier eating habits by making fresh produce more accessible. Commendably, the farm's bilingual educational materials and classes ensure that all students, regardless of their primary language, can benefit from the programs. This inclusivity is crucial, especially in a predominantly Spanish-speaking, low-income community. Avenue 33 also hosts workshops for middle and high schoolers, as well as adults, to further farming education in their neighborhood. These workshops cover a variety of topics, including making salves, teas, composting, nursery maintenance, and general land stewardship.
In a modern era of technology that seems to put agriculture on the backburner, one of the significant challenges Avenue 33 faces is financial sustainability. Eric shared that navigating the complexities of grant writing and funding has been a learning curve. The farm relies on a mix of USDA and CDFA grants, as well as county-level funding through Food Access LA. Despite these challenges, the farm continues to thrive, thanks in part to its innovative funding strategies and community support. Avenue 33's CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program generates revenue by selling weekly produce boxes, which are subsidized for EBT consumers to ensure affordability. This model not only supports the farm financially but also enhances food access for low-income families.
What stuck out the most to me from our meaningful conversation is Avenue 33’s deep commitment to food equity – aligning with my own passion in streamlining Our Seat at the Table programming. The farm provides fresh produce to local families, supports food distribution programs, and works with local corner stores to supply healthy food options. Eric emphasized that their ultimate goal is to ensure that healthy food is accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status. The farm also collaborates with the LA Food Policy Council to support neighborhood markets and charter schools, helping them navigate funding requirements and access locally grown produce. This collaborative approach amplifies Avenue 33's impact and fosters a sense of community resilience.
The connection to the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund has been instrumental in supporting Avenue 33's mission. ASLF provides month-long paid apprenticeships for young adults to live and work on sustainable farms, similar to those Anne Saxelby engaged in during her early 20s. These apprenticeships not only provide much-needed labor to farms but also inspire young people to create change in their communities. Participants in the ASLF apprenticeship program work full-time on farms, gaining hands-on experience in farming and production activities. They are compensated $20 per hour for 40-hour work weeks, with lodging, expense budgets, and travel expenses covered. This immersive experience helps cultivate the next generation of food and agriculture leaders.
Avenue 33's apprenticeship program aligns perfectly with the ASLF mission. The farm offers a summer internship for high school students, providing them with practical farming experience and a stipend for work gear. This program aims to connect students with potential career pathways in agriculture, horticulture, and related fields. Eric explained that the program runs during the summer, offering 20-hour work weeks over eight weeks. This structured experience not only helps students gain valuable skills but also allows them to balance work with their school commitments. By offering paid internships, Avenue 33 ensures that students from low-income families can participate without financial strain.
Looking ahead, Avenue 33 aims to continue expanding its educational programs, enhancing community outreach, and achieving greater financial sustainability. Eric envisions a farm that not only supports itself but also serves as a model for other urban farming initiatives. By continuing to refine their farming practices, engage with the community, and explore new funding opportunities, Avenue 33 is poised to make an even greater impact.
Overall, my visit to Avenue 33 was an inspiring experience that reinforced the importance of sustainable agriculture and community engagement in promoting food equity. The farm's commitment to education, inclusivity, and innovative farming practices aligns perfectly with the pillars of Our Seat at the Table. As we continue to highlight and support initiatives like Avenue 33, we can collectively work towards a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and the knowledge to make healthy choices.
Avenue 33 exemplifies how urban farming can foster community connections, educate the next generation, and promote a sustainable, equitable food system. I encourage everyone to support their local farms, engage with educational programs, and advocate for food equity in their communities. Together, we can create a world where food is a force for positive change.
If you’d like to learn more about these incredible organizations mentioned, check out their websites and information below:
Avenue 33: https://ave33farm.com/
Anne Saxelby Fund: https://www.annesaxelbylegacyfund.org/
Our Seat at the Table: https://www.our-seat.org/