As manufacturing declined, many grocery stores closed in Detroit, leaving many neighborhoods with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
The lack of access to healthy foods has led to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in Detroit.
Vacant land in Detroit has been repurposed for urban agriculture, helping to increase the availability of fresh produce.
Urban agriculture has also provided opportunities for job training, community engagement, and environmental education.
Organizations like Oakland Avenue Farms and Keep Growing Detroit offer educational programs, training workshops, and volunteer opportunities to help citizens participate in urban agriculture.
Programs like Grown in Detroit provide technical assistance, marketing support, and direct-to-consumer sales opportunities for small farmers.
Detroit Vegan Soul's affordable and delicious vegan meals make plant-based eating more accessible and appealing to Detroit residents.
The key behind changes in neighborhoods like Brightmoor is the involvement of community members in initiatives that address food access, education, and economic development.
Detroit's urban agriculture can serve as a model for other cities, showing how to revitalize vacant land, promote healthy eating, and strengthen communities.