Show 1: Pertula George-Redd, Executive Director, Common Good City Farm (CGCF)

Title: Growing Food, Educating the Generations, Cultivating Community

Studio Guest:

Pertula George-Redd, Executive Director, Common Good City Farm (CGCF)

Common Good City Farm is committed to cultivating a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable community. Founded in 2007, our mission is to grow healthy food that empowers low-income DC residents to meet their nutritional needs through direct service and hands-on education. This primary program site allows at-risk area residents to access fresh produce while serving as a catalyst for environmental change and an educational platform for children and adults. Going forward, Common Good seeks to refine and replicate a new model for developing community-based urban food systems.

At the core of the CGCF operation is the Green Tomorrows Program, which offers an empowering opportunity for low-income area residents to obtain fresh, healthy produce. Our means of food distribution recruits at-risk individuals for hands-on learning opportunities that teach an array of skills, from growing fresh herbs to shopping for healthy food on a tight budget. Through our LEAF (Learning for Environment, Agriculture, and Food) program we provide an array of valuable activities that fight the epidemic of childhood obesity, educate young people, and reduce food insecurity.

Growing Gardens Workshops of CGCF provides free skills training to nearly 300 community members each year, empowering them to start container gardens, compost household food waste, and serve healthier meals to their families. The Small Enterprise program enhances CGCF's financial viability by generating revenue and supplementing donors' dollars. CGCF sells herbs and specialty produce to local businesses and non-profits. Finally, it generates widespread community support as more than 300 individuals contribute their time and talents to CGCF as volunteers each year.

Originally uploaded Nov 16, 2012

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