Crop Swap LA was launched in 2018 with a small monthly swap of fruits and veggies between local gardeners. Founder Jamiah Hargins says it's evolved into a globally recognized institution and movement.
The Degnan Microfarm Sign: The Degnan Microfarm located in Leimert Park - a Crop Swap LA project.Crop Swap LA
Hargins tells KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan that the organization focuses on "growing food on unused spaces and distributing it equitably," and their impact has spread far beyond the local gardens.
"Now we do installations for senior centers, schools, and private citizens who might want to have a garden, water reservoir, or native plants at their home. As long as there's food integrated, we can do it." Hargins said.
A frames - "Our A-frames maximize a small urban space to produce hundreds of lettuce varieties, peppers, herbs, and more."Crop Swap LA
Hargins was inspired to start Crop Swap LA after the birth of his first child. "I was motivated as a new parent when my first daughter came along, and I saw the food that is available around town. I thought maybe I could grow my own instead," he said.
So, he found a group of like-minded people doing the same thing, and Hargins said, "Now we grow enough food for 70 families between the Leimert Park and Crenshaw areas and deliver to their doorsteps every Sunday."
Urban farmers Ryan and Justinian harvesting the A-Frames at The Degnan Microfarm (L), Urban farmers Pau and Mychal harvesting at Asante Microfarm (C), urban farmer Gabe next to a harvest of beets that are being distributed into weekly membership bags (R).Crop Swap LA
He says working with food and nature lends to becoming a better caretaker for others and the earth.
"There's a big crisis in our food system, and it's only worsening by the day," Hargins said. "By doing food in the front yard by, leading a team as a young-ish black man - I'm 40 years old - and having a team that is diverse and driven, I'm hopefully showing the youth that any issue that they see, they have the capacity to face it."
Coming up in July, Crop Swap LA is relaunching its fruit tree harvest program! Connect with the team HERE.
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