New partner uses farming to break down racial barriers

July 10, 2017 – On an overcast June day, more than 100 people gathered on the Community Farm to mark the beginning of a new partnership that unites community and helps people struggling with hunger.

Leading the effort is Shantae Johnson of Mudbone Grown. “We want to share the love of growing food with our community,” said Shantae. “It is also important to change the narrative of what it means to be a farmer, especially for those in the black community.”

Oregon Food Bank’s NE Portland headquarters includes adjacent land that is the home of the Learning Garden and a one acre Community Farm. This year, farming operations will be run by Mudbone Grown and the Black Food Sovereignty Council. The farm will be renamed Unity Farm in honor of this collaboration.

People of color make up 28% of Portland’s population. Recent events in the city and around the country have increased stress and tension. “Some of the things we’re going to be doing at the farm is to just bring all communities together to grow and heal,” said Shantae. Food grown on the farm will go to several groups working to curb food insecurity. Volunteers will also be given the option to take home a portion of the harvest.

“We hope that with this Unity Farm everyone feels welcome here,” said Shante. “The soil really does heal us and gets us to take a time out from the hustle and bustle of the world.” You can sign up to help at oregonfoodbank.org/volunteer.