With cities increasingly turning towards sustainability, Hillsborough County is on the map for its burgeoning urban farming scene, particularly in downtown Tampa. The county’s Homegrown Hillsborough initiative has been instrumental in supporting this green wave, leveraging partnerships and educational programs to anchor a resilient local food system. At their latest Homegrown Hillsborough Annual Conference, which brought together a diverse group of more than 150 participants, the future of food in the area was the hot topic on the table.
One of the conference’s standout moments was a tour of Meacham Urban Farm, a vibrant two-acre farm nestled amid the urban sprawl, serving as a vital source of fresh produce to nearby public housing residents. Since the last count, the farm store has extended its hours, demonstrating significant growth now open five days a week and it even accepts EBT/SNAP payments to enable greater access to nutritious food for residents of varying income levels.
However, it’s not only about providing access to fresh produce; the farm also uses innovative methods like hurricane-grade shade tents to protect and nurture crops under the harsh Florida climate. This staple of Tampa Bay urban agriculture grows an impressive assortment of fruits and vegetables, such as lettuce and tomatoes, and raises chickens for fresh eggs, making it both a diverse and practical asset to the community’s food landscape…