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.
Economic Empowerment and Job Creation
Urban farms don’t just feed communities—they provide jobs and business opportunities. Community-based urban farms offer sustainable employment for local residents. By investing in small-scale urban agriculture, cities can create stable jobs, build local economies, and empower individuals to take control of their food systems.
Environmental Benefits of Urban Farming
Beyond food access and economic empowerment, urban farms contribute to healthier cities. These green spaces improve air quality, reduce heat island effects, and absorb stormwater runoff. Urban agriculture can reduce temperatures in city neighborhoods, helping combat climate change at a local level.
CFT’s Urban Farm Network: Growing Change
Carolina Farm Trust’s Urban Farm Network is actively working to strengthen food sovereignty in Charlotte and beyond. Through initiatives like Urban Farm at Aldersgate and Free Spirit Farm, we’re creating a model that can be replicated nationwide.
Urban Farm at Aldersgate
Urban Farm at Aldersgate is a cornerstone of our Urban Farm Network. This farm is more than just a food source—it’s a gathering place where people can learn about nutrition, sustainable farming, and community-driven food solutions. The farm provides fresh produce to local families and supports senior nutrition initiatives, ensuring that healthy food is accessible to all.
Free Spirit Farm
Another vital part of our initiative is Free Spirit Farm, where we focus on regenerative farming techniques that restore soil health and promote biodiversity. By using sustainable practices, we’re reducing our environmental impact while increasing the amount of fresh, local food available in urban areas.
Healing Communities Through Food
Urban farms are more than just a response to food insecurity—they are a catalyst for change. They help communities reclaim power over their food, rebuild local economies, and provide spaces where people can reconnect with nature.
At Carolina Farm Trust, we believe in the power of food to heal. By investing in urban agriculture, we can create a future where every community—regardless of zip code—has access to fresh, healthy food.
How You Can Help
Urban farms thrive when communities come together. Here’s how you can support the movement:
Donate: Your contribution helps us expand urban farming initiatives, provide fresh food to those in need, and create educational programs for future farmers.
Volunteer: Get your hands in the soil and be part of the change. Join us at one of our farm sites and see the impact firsthand.
Advocate: Share the importance of urban farming with your community and local policymakers.
Let’s grow a better future together.
