The Role of Urban Farms in Healing Communities
In cities across the country, neighborhoods are transforming vacant lots into thriving urban farms. These spaces do more than just grow food—they bring communities together, provide economic opportunities, and create green spaces that improve public health. Urban farming is a powerful tool for tackling food insecurity and revitalizing communities, and Carolina Farm Trust’s Urban Farm Network is leading the charge in North Carolina.
Why Urban Farms Matter
Food Access in Underserved Communities
Food deserts—neighborhoods with little to no access to fresh, affordable food—affect millions of Americans. The USDA estimates that over 40 million people in the U.S. live in food deserts, where convenience stores and fast food chains dominate, offering highly processed, unhealthy options. Urban farms break this cycle by growing fresh, nutritious produce right in the heart of these communities.
