In Cleveland, where environmental burdens run deep – ranking in the top 10% of cities for toxic air releases, hazardous waste proximity, and lead paint exposure – Village Family Farms (VFF) has been a lifeline. Since 2014, they’ve addressed critical needs in neighborhoods like Hough, site of their urban farm, where 91% of residents are people of color and 69% are low-income, bringing fresh produce to a city where 59% live in food deserts. VFF annually grows over 23,000 lbs. of nutrient-dense foods like kale, squash, and apples, using regenerative practices that heal the environment: crop rotation enriches soil, cover cropping prevents erosion, and composting turns waste into wealth. Through water conservation combining drip irrigation with rain gardens, they create natural filtration systems in areas struggling with water quality. By training local children in agricultural skills and building networks with neighboring farms, they demonstrate how urban agriculture can both nourish communities and restore environmental health across Cleveland’s diverse neighborhoods.
From their Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Agricultural tours to their Seed 2 Stomach program, VFF provides hands-on learning opportunities for local youth. Source: VFF Facebook page
The small, Black-led organization – one staffer and 10 volunteers – has diversified well beyond producing only organic fruits and vegetables. Their integrated farm system includes free-range chicken operations in partnership with local farmers, who use only non-GMO feed. A maple syrup production line transforms local tree sap into healthy sweetener alternatives, while their established bee apiary, started in 2012 before VFF’s official formation, houses Carnolian and Italian hives producing wildflower honey as well as beeswax they turn into their “Bee Moist” lip balm. The farm also crafts natural soaps as an alternative to commercial personal care products and offers subscription boxes that include fresh and in-season produce on a weekly basis. Through their markets, and two school districts purchasing produce, over 14,000 people a year benefit from their operation. VFF founder Jamel Rahkeera takes pride in his community and their work. “We don’t have hundreds of acres and big equipment like rural farmers, but we’ve got big hearts.” And, it’s making a difference.
VFF founder and beekeeper Jamel Rahkeera has been operating a bee apiary in Cleveland since 2012. Source: VFF website