Creating Change in Urban Food Access Through Agriculture
Food access and insecurity are complex issues. While many in Kentucky are considered food insecure, some populations do not have healthy, affordable foods available to them because they are in a low-income census track, lack a vehicle or access to public transportation, and live farther than half a mile from a grocery store or supermarket. Gas stations or convenience stores are typically the only viable option for sustenance.
For those facing multi-level poverty, living in such a region can lead to malnutrition, obesity, and decreased economic and educational achievement. Community leaders even see a link between food insecurity and violent crime. This was proven by a Clemson University research study that showed for every one percent rise in food insecurity, violent crimes increased by 12%.
A 2021 report from the Greater Louisville Project found that about 3.5% of Jefferson County households live within low food access areas, sometimes called a food desert or food apartheid. For example, there are only two full-service grocery stores for a population of 60,000 in west Louisville.
Luckily, Louisville is home to those fighting for a brighter and greener future for all. Organizations addressing food access and public health in west Louisville include the Louisville Urban League, Feed Louisville, and Change Today, Change Tomorrow.
The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has also prioritized urban areas in recent years, adding an Urban Agriculture Extension Agent position in Jefferson County.
Read further about this issue and who is involved within the agriculture community.
Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson is the founder of Kentucky Greens and a member of the Louisville Urban League as their Health Department co-lead for urban outreach. His agriculture career started at his roots, where taking care of family plots and personal gardens was part of the daily routine.
Growing up, Mike was part of Seneca High School's FFA and Agriculture programs, which only cemented his determination to pursue a lifelong career in agriculture and make a difference while doing it. In 2013, Mike began looking at the field's entrepreneurial side and began work in community development.
While working with Kentucky Greens and the Louisville Urban League's Project Kilimo, Mike leads a group of education fellows focused on establishing a farm in one of West Louisville's nine neighborhoods to help combat local food insecurity. His favorite part is researching African culture and farming practices brought to the States long ago and helped establish agriculture as we know it today.
Knowing what he knows today, Mike says he would've liked to find a mentor when he first began his agricultural journey. He spoke with his school counselors more often to understand how a historically black college or university (HBCU) would elevate his learning style and interests.
About Kentucky Greens
Founded in 2018, Kentucky Greens is deeply rooted in our commitment to supply local small markets and foster community partnerships. In the past years, they have collaborated with food businesses and community organizations to establish farmer’s markets throughout West Louisville.
Drawing from this experience, Jackson said his passion has grown stronger for creating a brand that collaborates seamlessly with businesses and organizations dedicated to ensuring universal food access.
"As a small-scale farm business, we not only provide fresh produce but also actively contribute as local food donors and champions of small-market food initiatives," remarked Jackson.
"Kentucky Greens is devoted to inspiring the next generation of agricultural enthusiasts. Our mission is to make a substantial impact on enhancing food access and promoting nutrition."
Project Kilimo, An Urban Farming Initiative
Project Kilimo, Louisville Urban Leagues’s Urban Farming Initiative funded by the USDA, supports Black urban farmers in Louisville’s West End community in building space, land access, cultural education programming, and resources for food sovereignty.
LUL aims to work with community members to rebuild and reconnect community via an emphasis on land and farming, develop the skills necessary to create their own community-based food businesses and projects or assist them in shaping and entering the emergent urban food system. Though the initial grant period is for a short period of time, the Louisville Urban League has committed to at least two years of programming under the USDA's National Black Farmer Apprenticeship Program. The USDA has committed to tackling food and nutrition insecurity by focusing on strengthening and building new partnerships with community-based organizations.
From their website: "Agriculture in a city is not just about growing food to provide better access to communities that historically and systematically have been separated from their right to culturally relevant, affordable produce. It is also about the spiritual and cultural connection of people to the land."