Growing Freedom Project
The Growing Freedom Project is a constellation of five interactive spaces and activities that engage youth and community members impacted by the criminal legal system. The project adopts a holistic approach to what we call a "growing freedom" cycle, paving the way for a more just and equitable society through the entire process of food cultivation.
This cycle fosters food security from cultivating seedlings (49th Street Greenhouse) to raising them in garden beds (Healing Garden), learning about plant care and produce production (Horticulture class), to eating from one's garden for sustenance (Culinary Class), and sharing abundance (Freedom Market). Our work has been supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the City of Philadelphia Office of Innovation & Technology.
Healing Garden
The Healing Garden is our first food-based garden in Philadelphia. Located in a courtyard at the Juvenile Justice Services Center (JJSC) in West Philadelphia, the Healing Garden comprises produce beds, a pollinator garden, and meditative spaces designed with and for youth detained at the facility.
49th Street Greenhouse
The 49th Street Greenhouse supports the Growing Freedom Project, serving as a site for seed and plant cultivation and a place for youth formerly detained at JJSC to extend their skills and knowledge in horticulture in a paid position.
Horticulture Class
Heather Leach, our farm and food educator, leads six-week horticulture classes within the Healing Garden during which we introduce youth at JJSC to plant care and production, horticultural therapy, and garden-based crafts and recipes.
Culinary Class
Down North Pizza Executive Chef Michael Carter works in partnership with Heather Leach to lead six-week culinary classes with youth at JJSC that incorporate produce from the Healing Garden.
Freedom Market
The Freedom Market brings together youth at JJSC to sell produce to staff and community members. Youth work in teams to practice pricing produce for sale at farmers’ markets, create eye-catching produce displays and signage, interact with customers, and conduct sales.
