Keep Growing Detroit
Keep Growing Detroit is an organization committed to establishing food sovereignty within the city of Detroit, with a focus on increasing access to locally grown produce for its residents[1]. Founded in 2013, the organization works to empower Detroiters to grow their own food, offering resources, education, and support to gardeners and farmers in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park[2]. Its efforts are rooted in a long history of urban agriculture within the city, building upon traditions established by Indigenous communities and continuing through generations of Detroit residents.
History
Detroit’s history with urban agriculture extends far beyond recent initiatives. Indigenous communities in the area historically cultivated crops such as corn and beans, establishing a tradition of local food production[3]. This practice continued with subsequent waves of settlers and residents, with gardening and small-scale farming being common features of the city’s landscape. However, the modern urban agriculture movement in Detroit gained significant momentum in response to economic hardship, food insecurity, and population decline experienced in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Keep Growing Detroit was formally established in 2013 to address these challenges and build upon the existing grassroots efforts[4]. The organization emerged from a collaborative effort involving several local groups and individuals committed to promoting food sovereignty and community-based food systems. Since its inception, Keep Growing Detroit has expanded its programs and services, reaching a growing number of residents and contributing to the revitalization of urban agriculture in the city. The organization’s work is aligned with a broader movement advocating for food justice and equitable access to healthy, affordable food.
Mission and Programs
The core mission of Keep Growing Detroit is to cultivate a food sovereign city, aiming for a future where the majority of fruits and vegetables consumed by Detroiters are grown within the city limits[5]. This goal is pursued through a variety of programs and initiatives designed to support gardeners and farmers at all levels of experience. A key component is the Garden Resource Program, which provides members with technical assistance, seeds, transplants grown within Detroit, and other essential gardening supplies[6].
Beyond resource provision, Keep Growing Detroit offers an Education Series featuring interactive classes led by experienced growers and chefs[7]. These classes cover a wide range of topics, from fundamental gardening skills to advanced techniques, empowering residents to maximize their yields and cultivate healthy, sustainable gardens. Additionally, the organization operates the Grown in Detroit Online Farm Store, providing access to locally grown produce, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and honey, all produced by Detroit-based urban gardeners and farmers using sustainable practices[8].
Food Sovereignty and Community Impact
Keep Growing Detroit’s work is fundamentally rooted in the concept of food sovereignty, which emphasizes the right of people to define their own food and agriculture systems[9]. This approach differs from food security, which focuses primarily on ensuring access to sufficient food, by also prioritizing local control, cultural relevance, and ecological sustainability. By empowering Detroit residents to grow their own food, Keep Growing Detroit aims to reduce reliance on external food systems and build a more resilient and equitable food landscape.
The organization's impact extends beyond individual gardens and farms. It contributes to community building, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Urban agriculture projects can transform vacant lots into productive green spaces, improving neighborhood aesthetics and providing opportunities for social interaction. The Grown in Detroit Online Farm Store supports local farmers and gardeners, creating economic opportunities within the city. Furthermore, sustainable gardening practices promote soil health, biodiversity, and reduced reliance on harmful chemicals[10].
Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Keep Growing Detroit regularly hosts events to engage the community and promote urban agriculture. These events include the Gathering of Growers, which focuses on specific crop studies, such as root vegetables[11]. These gatherings provide a platform for growers to share knowledge, learn new techniques, and connect with one another. The organization also offers volunteer opportunities at the KGD Farm, allowing individuals to contribute to the organization’s work and gain hands-on experience in urban agriculture[12].
Volunteer opportunities are available on a weekly basis, providing a consistent stream of support for the farm’s operations. These activities may include planting, weeding, harvesting, and other tasks essential to maintaining a productive urban farm. Participating in these events and volunteer opportunities allows residents to become actively involved in building a more sustainable and equitable food system in Detroit. The organization’s calendar of events is regularly updated on its website, providing information on upcoming workshops, classes, and volunteer opportunities[13].
Urban agriculture Detroit Food security Food sovereignty Community gardening