How Detroiters are Growing Vegetables During the Pandemic

The Vegetarian Detroit Podcast: Episode 6

Is the pandemic changing the way Detroiters are growing vegetables? Tepfirah Rushdan, Co-Director of Keep Growing Detroit talks to Jewell Dziendziel about how the pandemic is affecting the way Detroiters are growing vegetables. Keep Growing Detroit was founded in 2013 and promotes urban farming particularly for those communities that do not have access to fresh, healthy food. Despite a challenging year, KGD helped almost 27,000 residents start approximately 2,000 gardens and farms, and raised over $67,000 to help 30 black farmers purchase land in 2020.

Tepfirah Rushdan, Co-Director of Keep Growing Detroit

Although, Keep Growing Detroit had to pivot during the pandemic, much like many others did, it wasn’t all negative and gave them the opportunity to get their online store going. Keep Growing Detroit also saw an increase in CSA shares (community supported agriculture) by means of produce boxes. Because Keep Growing Detroit is in food service they are considered essential and were still allowed to supply Detroiters with vegetable transplants and restaurants with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Tepfirah discusses how the pandemic uncovered vulnerabilities in our food system and how important it is to be able to grow your own food. In addition to self sufficiency, urban gardening connects us to the food industry, builds community, and as a result, we appreciate where our food comes from and are empathetic to food industry workers who face .

Tepfirah wraps up the episode by revealing what she thinks is one good thing that has come out of the pandemic. To learn more about Keep Growing Detroit and their available services, visit detroitagriculture.net. You can follow Keep Growing Detroit on social media @KeepGrowingDetroit.

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