A Different Approach to Urban Farming

Through its partnerships with public high schools and community-based organizations, Project EATS is introduced into each community by neighborhood youth, adults, and elders who get involved  through courses and activities they already attend at partner schools and organizations. 

Project EATS' apprentice-based workshops help participants develop skills and knowledge in food production farming in urban spaces, the making of herbal health products, operating community market-stands, and in managing and operating a community food and health enterprise. 

Months 1-24

This initial group of Project EATS participants launches the first farm site in their community.  As they apprentice with ACP staff during the first 18-24 months they develop their farm, community market, and herbal health product skills.  They also conduct outreach and involve other community members in Project EATS. In addition to instruction, ACP staff provides labor for developing and maintaining the site. 

Months 18-48

During the remaining months of ACP's direct involvement,  its staff helps communities establish their business enterprise and provides technical support in farming, community markets, and sales. Project EATS is designed so communities can fully manage and operate their EATS enterprise within 36-48 months. Youth and adults who obtain farm, marketing, sales, and management skills through Project EATS are able to pursue jobs at other businesses.

So Everybody EATS

Food sold to community residents is priced at 50%-70% of market price.  Each Project EATS site can allocate up to 30 % of the food it grows for sales to schools, restaurants, and organizations. ACP operates this aspect of their Project EATS until communities are capable of servicing these food markets on their own. Communities use revenues generated from farming and food sales to maintain, grow, and sustain their Project EATS operations.  Any remaining revenues are invested in other community priorities as determined by the community.