Legacy Taste of the Garden is a Black-owned family farm in Princeton, Ind., that seeks to improve socioeconomic outcomes in communities that are considered food deserts. As a multi-generational farm, Legacy uses traditional farming practices and a network of like-minded farmers and partner organizations to teach community members about the value of healthy foods and how to grow them sustainably.
Partnering with two other farms, Legacy Taste of the Garden Operations Director John Jamerson used a SARE Farmer/Rancher grant on a multi-faceted project to increase the availability of whole foods in food deserts in Princeton, Evansville, and Indianapolis. The group taught youth and adults about urban farming techniques and business opportunities at multiple locations, such as the community supported agriculture (CSA) marketing model, and connected communities to local food options. They also partnered with chefs to educate communities about healthy dietary choices and food preparation and created a “28-day challenge,” a guided, plant-based diet lasting a month.