Community-Based Urban Agriculture in Detroit - Candler Farms - Highland Park Movement Center

Vital Stats

Cory C

Highland Park, MI

people helped500
People Doing It 30

The Problem

Highland Park, Michigan, a city within the city of Detroit, is one of the most economically devastated areas in the Detroit area. With an unemployment rate of 30%, dilapidated public and private infrastructure, and a declining population, the remaining citizens are faced with environmentally and economically dire circumstances. Detroit is often identified as an urban food desert; while food options are, in fact, available in Detroit and Highland Park, access to fresh and healthy food options is extremely limited. Urban agriculture is a key component of a clean and healthier economy for people and the environment.

Plan of Action

Distributed Power seeks to expand on the success and the widespread impact of urban agriculture from the GELT program through year round agricultural activities. Moving forward toward this end, Distributed Power plans to create a year-round flow of fresh food in the community with the long term goal of a community-based, local food system that supplies Highland Park with affordable, healthy food and puts vacant land to a constructive use. After an assessment of the soil has been completed and potential crops have been identified, Distributed Power will invest in a Hoop House (type of green house) adjacent to its building and offices in Highland Park. The company aims to have the Hoop House constructed and prepared for planting by mid-to-late June through the work of its employees and local community members. In June crops will be planted and maintained by Distributed Power staff and local community members who will be taught about urban agriculture at no cost. Simultaneous to the physical construction and planting of the Hoop House, Distributed Power is developing outlets for the fresh produce that will result from the Hoop House. Distributed Power is currently working with other local gardens to sell fresh, local produce to restaurants, farmers' markets, and supermarkets in the area.