A New Urban Farm is Growing in West Charlotte

Preventing chronic health issues by increasing access to healthy, high-quality food.
When we think about healthcare, we often think of doctors, diagnoses, and medication.

But what if we could actually heal chronic illnesses and even prevent health issues through high-quality food access in Charlotte’s underserved areas?

Thanks to urban farming, we can.

Urban farms provide a sustainable source of locally-grown food access and can help reduce food insecurity in urban areas.

Urban farms can reverse food insecurity

Food insecurity (the lack of consistent access to enough food for everyone in a household, particularly high-quality, nutritious food) often leads to poor nutrition, which can have a lifelong impact.

People living in food insecure areas have a higher chance of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, higher chances of stroke, and even increased risk of cancer.

Our new urban farm, Freedom Farm, is tackling the three main challenges that lead to food insecurity:
  • Lack of transportation: Families in West Charlotte have very few healthy food options nearby. And many don’t have regular access to a car, meaning they have to rely on public transportation just to go to the grocery store. So, we’re bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, and eventually meat right to their neighborhood.
       
  • Cost of fruits and vegetables: If a family is trying to make ends meet, how can they choose a head of broccoli over two loaves of white bread when they’re the same price? Fruits and veggies at Freedom Farm will cost a fraction of what grocery stores charge.

  • Education: Access to the right food is only half the battle. Many families don’t know the truth about what’s good for them and what’s not, or even how to cook healthily. We’ll have regular community education classes on nutrition, cooking techniques, and gardening basics.
Help build our farm — and our community
The only way we end food insecurity once and for all is together. If you’re willing to lend a hand (or two) to help garden, grow, build, and educate, fill out the form below to learn more about volunteer opportunities!

Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!

Thinking of starting your own farm at home? Here are a few helpful articles to get you going…

Feathered Friends: A Live Look at our Free-Range Chickens

The live chicken cam at StarMed Freedom Farm provides a unique window into the daily lives of our flock of free-range chickens. Viewers can observe the birds as they scratch for food, take dust baths, and interact with each other. The camera is situated in a prime location that allows for a clear view of the coop, pasture, and the surrounding area, so viewers can see not only the chickens but also other farm animals and the beautiful natural scenery. With the live chicken cam, we aim to educate people about the importance of humane farming practices and to promote a greater appreciation for the animals that provide us with food.

One of the benefits of the live chicken cam is that it allows viewers to witness the personalities of individual birds. Each chicken has a unique character, and through the camera, viewers can observe how they interact with each other and their environment. The chickens at StarMed Freedom Farm are free to roam and forage, which helps to promote their physical and mental well-being. Through the live chicken cam, viewers can see how the birds explore their surroundings, display natural behaviors, and enjoy a happy and healthy life.

Gather with us down at the farm… 

We’ll be celebrating. We’ll be educating. We’ll be getting our hands dirty in the best way. Join us for an upcoming event to see what we’re growing.