Growing Ahead

I've noticed that several people have viewed and liked this page over the last several weeks, even though it's been inactive for a while. I (Kristel) thought an update is in order for our supporters. We had a crop failure that season, and were unable to secure property in the city that was safe to grow food. This lead me on a (successful) journey to help change how lots are back filled so the soil is tested for the safety of nearby residents. Next, it became pretty clear that without an easy way to know what farmers should grow and for people and restaurants to know *what is available to buy and where and for how much * the local food economy can't grow. This is the next evolution of Growing Ahead. Change is slow, but if you'd like to help be a part of that change, comment here and I'll be in touch.

Farm Bill 2012: House Vs. Senate - Hobby Farms

hobbyfarms.com The House’s version of Farm Bill 2012 suggests even more cuts to programs that are valuable to sustainable and small-scale farmers than the Senate’s version

A Moveable Feast - Urban Farm Online

Not a bad idea actually!

urbanfarmonline.com You don’t have to wake up early on Saturday mornings to buy locally grown foods. Creative farmers have found a way to bring their produce to you.

We have been so busy with Growing Ahead! We secured a trailer using funds raised from donations and seed packets. Our farm, Raisin' Seeds, is at long last planted and protected. We are signed up to sell at the Wade Oval and Gordon Square farmers markets this summer and we are in the process of setting up a living space to raise some local, grass fed, vegetarian broiler chickens (the kind you eat).

Lovely Peas a couple of weeks ago

Hey there! Come and learn about keeping chickens!

Hope to see you at the "Setting Up Your Chicken Yard" workshop tomorrow (6/6/12) night! 6-8 pm at the Catholic Charities garden!

Parking is on the street at 7714 Franklin Ave. in Cleveland

Was just out checking out the farmland we're leasing and it is ready to go! If anyone has access to a trailer we could borrow to haul alpaca poo please let me know, once that's done we will be planting this week! If you would like to volunteer to help us get everything done please comment below or shoot me an e-mail, we could really use the help since we are off to a late start. AND..I'll even treat you to bar-b-que and cold drinks! (esp. if you have a trailer to haul my grill out :-)The alpaca farm is down the street from the farm we are using (in Litchfield, about 45 mins from Cleveland). We would also gratefully accept donation or use of a seeder, deer fence, and boards to build raised beds.
Thank you for your continued support!

Selling garden seeds at Lakewood garden center until 12pm today! Come get a pack!

Part of starting your first nonprofit is learning. We have learned that it is a time consuming and difficult process to obtain vacant property in the City of Cleveland. We hope to have some in time to put up a hoop house and prepare it for planting in spring 2013. Meanwhile, someone has generously donated part of their farm and water access for us to grow on and learn the ins and outs of market gardening so we can teach it to others. It will also help raise some much needed capital.

What Will Make The Food Desert Bloom? : NPR

This is one of the reasons growing ahead exists! Also, does anyone need some great seeds for the year so that you can plant your own garden? Many of the plants we selected are prolific producers, so if you would care to donate some of your extra produce to neighbors and friends you would be able to! please see our webpage for more detail and to order our gardeb starter today! .org

npr.org Improving the health of people living in food deserts is much more than making sure there are veggies on the shelves. As activists have learned, it takes education and some old-fashioned innovation, too.

When the Going Gets Tough, Grow Your Own Food - Eat Healthy - Natural Home & Garden

This is exactly what we are trying to encourage.

naturalhomeandgarden.com Michelle Obama's White House kitchen garden got everyone talking about the health and culinary benefits of growing your own food. This Maine family proves its economic value.

Tonight at 7pm Lakewood Public Library Main Branch. Come meet Cherise and Kristel the founders of Growing Ahead. We will be selling our garden starting seed packs with Fedco organic, non-gmo seeds, garden plans and instructions! Save on shipping cost, support a great cause, get valuable seeds and advice and see an awesome movie!

Mark your Calender! March 15th at 7pm will be the Ohio premier of Mad City Chickens at the Lakewood Public Library!!! Tell a friend esp. if they don't think chickens are a very good idea. This movie might change their minds.

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge : Urban Agriculture Event

This sounds like a really great event!

fudge.house.gov ...

Chickens

Farmer Joel Salatin!

Who are your urban-farming or sustainable-living gurus? Tell us, and we just might feature them in the One Thing department on our sister magazine Urban Farm's back page. Post here or email [email protected].

Lack of cooking skills part of poverty cycle

Growing ahead agrees! Helping end the cycle of poverty by teaching gardening, canning and cooking skills.

ohio.com Local food pantries and soup kitchens see the same scenario over and over again — their numbers go up during the last 10 days of the month, when food assistance or money runs out.

Growing Ahead's cover photo