What makes Lisa Grelle Barrie with Raleigh City Farm, Inc. a good neighbor?

Agriculture and community engagement often go hand in hand, particularly when it comes to nonprofits like Raleigh City Farm. Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Raleigh City Farm started as a small initiative on a formerly vacant lot and blossomed into a vital resource for the community. In a recent episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, Lisa Grele Barrie, the Executive Director of Raleigh City Farm, shares insights about their mission to connect and nourish the community through regenerative agriculture. This blog post delves into the key topics discussed in the episode while emphasizing the importance of local agriculture, food security, and the outreach programs that can greatly benefit both the volunteers and those in need.

One of the pivotal themes of the podcast episode focuses on the disconnection between individuals and their food sources. Many people purchase food from grocery stores without realizing the extensive process that goes into growing and harvesting it. Lisa emphasizes the significance of understanding where food comes from and the sustainable practices that can be adopted to ensure it is healthy and environmentally friendly. This connection is at the core of Raleigh City Farm’s mission, as they invite community members onto their site for workshops, workdays, and tours that educate them about farming and food production. With approximately 13,000 pounds of food produced on their 1.2-acre farm, the organization strives to engage locals in a hands-on approach to understanding and appreciating the agriculture that directly impacts their lives.

Food insecurity is a pressing issue faced by many communities, including those in North Carolina. Lisa highlights alarming statistics, mentioning that one in eight North Carolinians struggles with food insecurity, while one in four children do not have adequate access to healthy food. This underscores the critical need for organizations like Raleigh City Farm to address these challenges. Through their innovative farm share program, they grow and give away food to those in need, providing not only nutritional support but building a sense of community. The podcast episode sheds light on how local programs can play a pivotal role in combating food insecurity and the importance of supporting local farmers in the fight against this issue.

In addition to their outreach programs, Raleigh City Farm also offers an internship program that grows the next generation of farmers. Lisa explains the importance of educating young individuals about sustainable practices and empowering them with the knowledge needed to cultivate their own food. This initiative not only benefits the mentees by granting them valuable experience but also enriches the local agriculture community as it fosters a network of informed growers.

The discussion further ventures into the personal motivations and experiences that have shaped Lisa’s journey at Raleigh City Farm. Her passion for gardening and connection to the earth serves as a foundation for her role within the organization. Lisa’s reflections on gardening also connect to broader themes of environmental stewardship and the awareness that every individual has the power to make a difference by being mindful of their consumption and the products they support. With a strong emphasis on climate change, she challenges listeners to consider their choices and how planting even one seed can have lasting positive effects on the planet.

Towards the end of the episode, the podcast hosts encourage listeners to get involved with Raleigh City Farm, whether through volunteering, attending educational workshops, or simply advocating for local agriculture. Through social media platforms and their engaging website, Raleigh City Farm strives to connect with community members and invite them to be part of something larger. The message is clear: supporting local farms and understanding the journey of food can foster a healthier society, both physically and environmentally.

In conclusion, this podcast episode showcases the vital role that Raleigh City Farm plays in connecting people to the land, combating food insecurity, and promoting agricultural education. By emphasizing the importance of local farming and the significant impact it can have on the community, Lisa provides a compelling invitation to explore, engage, and support this important cause. The larger conversation about food security, awareness, and volunteerism is one that resonates beyond Raleigh, sparking a meaningful dialogue about how each of us can contribute to creating a more sustainable and connected world.

To learn more about Raleigh City Farm, Inc go to: 

https://raleighcityfarm.org/

Raleigh City Farm, Inc

919-605-0478