Jones Valley Urban Farms

This morning was dreary and I really did not want to get out of bed. After a few cups of coffee I was ready to face the cold wind and head to my meeting at Jones Valley Teaching Farm. This meeting was to discuss the importance of farming in urban communities. Rural areas have exposure to fresh grown vegetables or people have the opportunity to have their own gardens. A lot of people in Birmingham's urban communities have to drive out just to get to a grocery store.

The Jones Valley Teaching Farm grows vegetables and supplies people in the community with weekly vegetables boxes for little or no fee. Not only that; they also expose children to growing fresh fruits and vegetables and their importance. As  a farmer this is VERY important to me. At my meeting we talked about starting a new program where we talk to children about how weather affects what we as farmers end up growing. For example: The sudden snow and ice storms from last year slowed the growth of my Spring vegetables. So instead of getting my carrots and radishes in late April I got them in late May. This may not sound like a big deal, but when your income is based on what you can sell at the Pepper Place markets this is a BIG problem. I cannot wait to show kids how important farming is too all communities. 

After my meeting I was really craving a little snack so I ran by Starbucks. I know! This isn't locally grown, but everyone needs a little treat once in a while. While I was there I made a new friend. Her name is Jill. We ordered the same drink, a grapefruit San Pelligrino. We sat together and talked for a while. She's running for President. She was so nice. I hope to see her again soon.