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Support SCLT Youth on 401 Gives Day: April 1

03/13/2025 admin Youth Program

Mark your calendars for Rhode Island’s biggest day of giving! On April 1, 2025, SCLT will once again participate in 401 Gives, the statewide fundraising initiative powered by the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact in partnership with United Way of Rhode Island. This 24-hour online giving event unites thousands of donors with hundreds of local nonprofits, creating a powerful wave of community support when we need it most.

Last year, SCLT received an impressive $31,117 during the 401 Gives campaign, part of the record-breaking $3.8 million raised for 597 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island. These vital funds directly supported our youth-centered programs, including our initiative that employs approximately 50 youth and emerging adults annually from Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls.

Youth Staff Leaders James and Aaliyah at SCLT’s greenhouse at Galego Community Farm

In 2025, your 401 Gives donation will help ensure the continuity of this critical program during a time of federal funding uncertainty. Youth Staff aged 14-24 engage in hands-on learning at our urban and rural farm sites, developing skills in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food system advocacy. As Aaliyah, an 18-year-old Youth Staff Leader in her fourth year with SCLT, shared: “This whole job has been a complete transformation for me… Nature! Breathing it in, getting away from every other trouble or issue that I have to worry about. Coming here and taking a breath helps to destress from all of that.”

Your support on 401 Gives Day helps us provide these transformative experiences while offering practical work readiness training, professional certifications, and career exploration opportunities in Rhode Island’s growing green economy. With 97% of our Youth Staff identifying as Black, Latine, or a person of color, this program directly addresses economic and food access disparities in our communities. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more information as April 1 approaches, and join us in building the next generation of food system leaders in Rhode Island!

Sanctuary Herbs: Hyperlocal Teas and Botanicals Flourish at Good Earth Farm

03/12/2025 admin Good Earth Farm

A refreshing retail experience has blossomed at SCLT’s Good Earth Farm, where Sanctuary Herbs of Providence has established a charming shop offering teas, culinary herbs, and botanical products with an extraordinary claim to freshness: nearly all ingredients are grown, processed, and sold within a one-mile radius. This hyperlocal approach creates an unparalleled connection between consumers and the land where their products originate, reflecting SCLT’s commitment to building sustainable food systems.

Sanctuary Herbs’ retail operation showcases the potential for value-added agricultural enterprises in Rhode Island. Visitors to the shop are treated to tea samples while exploring an array of herbal teas, culinary seasonings, houseplants, and more, all sourced with minimal environmental impact. Throughout the year, the company hosts “Open Doors” events at 1800 Scituate Ave in Hope, RI, featuring tea tastings, farm tours, and opportunities to connect with local farmers who contribute to Sanctuary Herbs’ products. Follow their Instagram page for updates on upcoming events and new product offerings.

Inside the shop at Sanctuary Herbs, 1800 Scituate Ave in Hope, RI

The next community gathering — “Open Doors: Mending Cafe” — takes place Sunday, March 30, from noon to 3pm at The Sanctuary at Good Earth Farm. This unique event combines sustainability with community care by offering garment repair services. Visitors can bring up to three tattered and torn items for mending (no alterations), or simply come to work on their own mending projects while enjoying the company of neighbors and farmers. The afternoon will include a weather-permitting walk around the farm, opportunities to share mending tips and tricks, and complimentary tea and refreshments. The event runs on a first-come, first-served basis with no registration required, though donations for mending services are appreciated. It’s yet another way Sanctuary Herbs embodies its “Health, Comfort, Community” philosophy.

The shop’s establishment at SCLT’s Good Earth Farm represents a successful evolution of the property’s capabilities since it was acquired it in July 2021. The 20-acre historic farm now supports multiple agricultural enterprises, demonstrating how rural farmland can foster diverse business models while maintaining strong environmental stewardship practices. With three heated greenhouses, two high tunnels, and expanding retail operations, the property has become a hub for innovative agricultural ventures that support SCLT’s mission of creating equitable access to land and markets.

For flower enthusiasts, another exciting development has taken root at Good Earth Farm. Blue Skys Blooms is now accepting orders for their 2025 flower subscription service. Subscribers can choose between weekly or bi-weekly deliveries of one small bouquet (15-18 stems) for at least 20 weeks, starting the second week of June and running through the third week of October. Early birds who sign up by April will enjoy bonus bouquets at the end of the season at no additional cost. Pickup options include Good Earth Farm or participating farmers markets, with delivery available to Cranston, Johnston, Scituate, Smithfield, and Providence for an additional $15 per delivery. This service provides yet another way for community members to directly support local agriculture while bringing the beauty of Rhode Island-grown flowers into their homes.

Federal Funding Freeze Threatens Vital Community Food, Farmer Programs

03/12/2025 admin 404 Broad

SCLT, DEM staff tour Hmong Rhode Island Association’s farm in Cranston, October 2024

SCLT is facing an unprecedented financial challenge as federal funding freezes and contract cancellations have resulted in a staggering $600,000 reduction to our annual budget. This severe cut threatens the very foundation of our work in Rhode Island’s most vulnerable communities at a time when food insecurity continues to rise across the state.

“This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about real people who depend on our programs every day,” says Executive Director Margaret DeVos. “We’re now forced to make difficult decisions about staffing and program capacity that will directly impact the communities we’ve served for over four decades. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our mission, but we need our community’s support now more than ever.”

The impact of these cuts extends far beyond our organization. Last year, 25,000 people ate food grown on SCLT farms—food that reached families through our network of 16 community food access partners. Our Youth Program provided meaningful employment to 50 emerging adults, while our certified farm apprentice program trained 7 new farmers. Additionally, 350 community gardeners fed themselves and their families from plots on SCLT land, and 40 small-scale farmers—predominantly farmers of color—operated 28 small farm businesses across our urban and rural farm sites.

These programs represent more than just food production; they embody SCLT’s commitment to building food sovereignty and economic opportunity in historically underserved communities. Each program faces potential reductions as we navigate this funding crisis. Staff positions that coordinate these vital services are at risk, threatening our capacity to maintain the same level of support that our communities have come to rely upon.

As we work to adapt to this new reality, we’re calling on our supporters to help bridge the gap. Your donations, memberships, and participation in events like our upcoming Plant Sale directly fund the programs now threatened by federal cuts. While we advocate for the restoration of federal support, community contributions have become more crucial than ever to sustaining our work. Together, we can ensure that Rhode Island’s most vulnerable residents don’t lose access to fresh, affordable food and the economic opportunities that our programs provide.

Consider becoming an SCLT member, or making a donation to fuel our mission.

The 33rd Annual Rare & Unusual Plant Sale Returns May 17 & 18

03/12/2025 admin City Farm, Plant Sale

Mark your calendars for SCLT’s most important fundraiser of the year: the 33rd Annual Rare & Unusual Plant Sale returns to City Farm on May 17 and 18, 2025. This beloved community tradition comes at a critical moment as we face unprecedented challenges from federal funding freezes that threaten many of our core programs.

The event showcases an extraordinary collection of 20,000 city-grown, city-sown plants, each nurtured with care using organic and regenerative practices at our greenhouse in City Farm—Rhode Island’s longest operating urban production and demonstration farm. From vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs to fruit, medicinals, edible flowers, native perennials, and truly unique varieties you won’t find elsewhere, the Plant Sale offers something for every garden and gardener.

Live music will fill the air throughout the weekend, featuring performances by Circle of the Drum, Chris Monti, Phil Edmonds, Mira Goldman, the ‘Mericans, Kenny Ells, Karen Isenberg, The Stinging Nettles (featuring Raffini, Ellen, Dan & Tammy), and other musical surprises. The festive atmosphere belies the serious purpose behind this year’s sale: your purchase directly funds programs now at risk due to federal funding cuts.

SCLT Members enjoy special benefits, including an exclusive preview hour at 9:00am on Saturday, May 17, a 10% discount on all plant purchases, and 50 gallons of organic compost—a $110 value—free with membership. This year, your membership and plant purchases are more crucial than ever, helping us continue our farmer training, youth programs, produce prescription initiatives, community gardens, and urban farm operations despite significant financial challenges.

When you shop at the Plant Sale, you’re not just starting your garden—you’re helping us weather a financial storm. Your purchases directly support our mission to build equity and resilience into Rhode Island’s food system, meeting the food access and economic needs of historically underserved communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls. Last year alone, 25,000 people ate food grown on SCLT farms, 50 emerging adults found employment in our Youth Program, and 40 small-scale farmers—predominantly farmers of color—operated 28 small farm businesses on our land.

As federal funding cuts threaten to reduce our capacity to serve, your participation in the Plant Sale becomes an act of community solidarity. Every seedling purchased helps sustain the programs that our communities rely on for food security and economic opportunity. Join us at City Farm (168 West Clifford Street, Providence, RI) on May 17 and 18 from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and help us continue growing not just plants, but hope, opportunity, and resilience for Rhode Island’s food system.

Want to get more involved? Register to volunteer during the Plant Sale or learn more about becoming an SCLT Member.

SCLT Voices Crucial Perspective at RI’s First Nutrition Security Forum

03/12/2025 admin Aggregation, City Farm, VeggieRx

Rich and Kakeena presenting at the first Statewide Forum on Nutrition Security

SCLT staff brought critical frontline experience to Rhode Island’s inaugural Nutrition Security Forum, held March 10, where City Farm Steward Rich Pederson and Food Program Coordinator Kakeena Castro participated in a panel discussion examining the real-world effectiveness of our state’s food access programs.

The panel, which focused on the end-to-end user experience in Rhode Island’s current food access landscape, provided a unique opportunity for SCLT to elevate the voices and experiences of those we serve daily. Castro and Pederson shared insights from years of direct work with communities, farmers, and food access partners.

During the forum, Castro detailed the comprehensive support SCLT provides: “Our Farmer Training and Produce Aggregation Programs support farmers in a number of ways. We help farmers from production to distribution. Farmers are applying for small grants and we help them with that. We help improve infrastructure at the farms. We help farmers attend workshops to learn more about pest management, soil health, cover cropping.”

Castro also highlighted SCLT’s 20-week distribution program, explaining, “During the season, we’re purchasing produce from farmers and we’re distributing it to families who are nutrition insecure, through one of our food access partners.” This model creates what Pederson aptly called “hyperlocal commerce,” strengthening community food systems while addressing immediate nutritional needs.

One of the most impactful aspects of SCLT’s work, as Castro emphasized, is breaking down barriers for immigrant farmers: “It’s been very impactful for the farmers, especially with the language and technology barriers, we really are able to sit side by side with them and help them navigate the food system so that they can benefit from the money in the local food system that larger producers have access to.”

Castro, right, and Pederson after the panel discussion

The forum served several critical purposes: increasing awareness and understanding of current fruit and vegetable programs; comparing Rhode Island’s approaches to regional and national models; and highlighting program impacts on economic health, environmental sustainability, and participant wellbeing. With federal nutrition assistance programs facing unprecedented threats, this dialogue couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.

The connections forged at this inaugural forum will help strengthen the coalition of organizations working to ensure Rhode Islanders have reliable access to nutritious food. As policies and programs evolve, SCLT will continue advocating for solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity while building more resilient local food systems that serve our communities where they are.

Remembering Rob Yaffe: A Pioneer in Rhode Island’s Local Food Movement

02/25/2025 admin Food Justice, healthy food access, urban agriculture

Robert Yaffe at SCLT’s City Farm in 2019, courtesy of Providence Monthly

When Rob Yaffe passed away on February 12, 2025, Rhode Island lost more than a successful restaurateur—it lost a visionary who transformed how our community thinks about food, sustainability, and the connections between them.

Rob’s journey began with a rich family legacy. His grandmother Reggie adopted a raw food vegan diet and began practicing yoga and meditation as early as 1940—decades before these practices became mainstream. His mother Erna continued this tradition by opening The Golden Sheaf in 1971, Providence’s first natural foods store. When Rob was just 23, his mother passed away unexpectedly, putting him in charge of the store. This early responsibility shaped his understanding of how food businesses could serve as anchors for community change.

In 1996, Rob opened Garden Grille in Pawtucket, establishing what would become Rhode Island’s longest-running vegetarian restaurant. He later expanded his vision with Wildflour Vegan Bakery and Cafe in 2010, and The Grange in 2013, which operated for nine years on Broadway in Providence. Through these establishments, Rob created spaces where plant-based eating wasn’t just accessible—it was exciting and delicious. “It’s about community,” Rob once said about his restaurants’ mission. “We exist to provide experiences where people connect with each other. If we’re not doing that, then why are we here?”

Rob’s relationship with Southside Community Land Trust was deep and enduring. He and his wife Uschi supported SCLT in countless ways over the years—hosting fundraisers, donating food from their restaurants to our events, and even donating all profits from their Table to Farm fundraiser at The Grange to support our work. After seeing the documentary “A Place at the Table” about hunger in the United States, Rob organized a screening in partnership with SCLT at Congregation Beth Sholom, demonstrating his commitment to food justice beyond his own restaurants.

As a business owner, Rob practiced what he preached. His restaurants were among the largest customers of Farm Fresh RI, and they regularly purchased produce from the Little City Growers Coop that started with Southside. In a 2019 interview with Providence Monthly, Rob noted: “We’re in the middle of a major shift. It’s not just what you eat, but where are you getting it from?” This question of provenance—of knowing your food’s origins and the hands that grew it—remains central to SCLT’s mission today.

Rob understood that his support of SCLT served a deeper purpose. “Helping Southside is a way to enable people who can’t afford to eat out to nonetheless be able to buy and grow organic, healthy food,” he explained. “Our missions are completely aligned.” This statement captures the essence of Rob’s approach to business and community—recognizing that true food system change must include everyone, regardless of economic status.

Though Rob wasn’t preachy about vegetarianism (only Wildflour was completely vegan), he delighted in hearing from new customers who were surprised by how satisfying meatless dishes could be. “We’re able to give people a transformative experience,” he said. “We have an opportunity to change peoples’ consciousness.” This philosophy of gentle transformation rather than forceful conversion characterized his approach to advancing plant-based eating in Rhode Island.

As we at Southside Community Land Trust continue our work to create a more just and sustainable local food system, we carry Rob Yaffe’s legacy with us. His vision of connecting good food with community, his belief in making healthy options accessible to all, and his quiet persistence in transforming our food landscape will continue to inspire our mission for years to come.

Breaking Bread: SCLT’s decade-long staff lunch tradition nourishes community

02/12/2025 admin 404 Broad, Food Justice

At Southside Community Land Trust, the connection to food runs deeper than our agricultural programs. For over a decade, staff members have maintained a unique tradition of cooking lunch for each other three days a week, creating a ritual that builds community and celebrates culinary creativity.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at exactly noon, the office transforms into a communal dining space as more than half of SCLT’s staff participate in this rotating lunch schedule. The menu spans continents and seasons, featuring everything from hearty borscht and savory pies to broccoli rabe sandwiches and homemade pizzas. An ever-changing parade of soups, stews, and creative dishes reflects both the staff’s diverse culinary talents and their deep connection to food culture.

“This tradition is really something special,” says Sam Shepherd, SCLT’s Grants & Communications Coordinator. “In all my years working in nonprofits, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. When we take the time to cook for each other, we’re doing more than sharing a meal – we’re showing genuine care for our colleagues. The conversations and connections that happen around our lunch table are just as nourishing as the food itself.”

The tradition exemplifies SCLT’s commitment to building community through food, extending our mission beyond gardens and farms and right into the workplace kitchen. As staff members trade recipes and share cooking techniques, these thrice-weekly gatherings have become a cornerstone of SCLT’s organizational culture, proving that some of the strongest workplace bonds are forged over a home-cooked meal.

SCLT farmer strengthens operations with Brighter Future Fund grant

02/12/2025 admin Aggregation, Apprenticeship, Cranston, Farmland Access

Kia Yang on a sunny day at her Good Earth Farm plot, pre-shed.

Kia Yang, a Hmong refugee farmer at SCLT’s Good Earth Farm in Hope, Rhode Island, was recently awarded a grant through the American Farmland Trust’s Brighter Future Fund to construct a tool and storage shed on her farm. The grant, which provides up to $5,000 to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women farmers nationwide, aims to strengthen farm resilience, enhance viability, and improve land access for traditionally underserved farming communities.

Yang’s farming journey spans continents and decades, beginning in Laos where her family operated a large farm producing rice, vegetables, and poultry. After moving to the United States in 1976, she quickly put down roots in Rhode Island’s agricultural community, starting with a community garden near her South Providence home. Four years ago, she expanded her operation to Good Earth Farm, where she now tends to a productive one-acre plot alongside other refugee farmers from Hmong and East African communities.

“I love it. I don’t want to stay home,” says Yang, who visits her farm daily to cultivate an impressive variety of crops including corn, bitterball, squash, peppers, scallions, celery, sweet potatoes, and cassava. Her produce reaches the community through multiple channels – the Broad Street Farmers Market, Sankofa World Market, and SCLT’s aggregation program, which distributes fresh vegetables to 14 hunger-relief agencies and operates produce prescription partnership program with the largest healthcare providers in Providence.

The new 10’x10′ shed will provide secure onsite storage for Yang’s farming equipment, fertilizer, drip tape, and other essential supplies. Currently, Yang stores her tools and supplies in multiple locations across Good Earth Farm’s 20-acre property, including a hoop house and greenhouse far from her field. This scattered storage situation requires significant time and energy that could be better spent on crucial farming tasks like planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting. The new shed’s proximity to her field will dramatically improve her daily operations.

The timing of this grant is particularly meaningful as Yang, who works with a part-time apprentice, recently renewed her lease for another five years at Good Earth Farm. The property has undergone significant infrastructure improvements since its acquisition by SCLT in July 2021, including major upgrades to its wastewater and irrigation pipeline systems. These improvements, combined with Yang’s new storage shed, will enhance both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity at the farm.

Yang’s dedication to agricultural education is evident in her role as a mentor, having hosted apprentice Jairson Ascençao during the 2024 growing season, and again in the upcoming year. Her commitment to farming and community service, spanning over four decades in the United States, exemplifies how targeted support for individual farmers contributes to building a more resilient and equitable local food system in Rhode Island.

Black Food Liberation: Understanding History, Creating Change

02/05/2025 admin 404 Broad, Food Justice, Southside Community Land Trust

Southside Community Land Trust and Roots 2Empower invite you to join us for the first in a powerful series of workshops exploring the intersection of food justice, Black agricultural heritage, and community empowerment.

Led by Tarshire Battle, founder and executive director of Roots 2Empower, this inaugural session will examine the profound historical connections between Black communities and agriculture in the United States. Participants will gain insight into how the legacy of enslavement and subsequent land loss continues to shape contemporary food systems, while exploring pathways toward food sovereignty and community resilience.

The workshop focuses on practical applications, helping participants identify current challenges facing Black communities and define core principles of Food Liberation. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies for launching food justice initiatives that promote self-determination and equity in their own communities.

Tarshire Battle brings exceptional depth of experience to this workshop. As the leader of Roots 2Empower, a Rhode Island nonprofit advancing social justice across southern New England, she combines academic expertise with hands-on knowledge. Her background as a published author, herbalist, Master Gardener, artist, farmer, and community organizer informs her holistic approach to food justice work. Battle holds master’s degrees in Public Administration from Northeastern University and Mental Health Counseling from Boston University.

This workshop welcomes participants of all experience levels and backgrounds who are committed to understanding and advancing food justice. Future sessions in the series will build upon these foundational concepts to explore specific aspects of implementing Food Liberation projects.

Event Details: Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Location: 404 Broad Street, Providence, RI Cost: Free (donations accepted) Registration required: https://bit.ly/FoodJustice101

Space is limited. Register early to secure your spot in this groundbreaking workshop series.

Sustaining Success: SCLT’s 2024 Produce Program marks eighth season

02/05/2025 admin Southside Community Land Trust

In 2024, Southside Community Land Trust’s Produce Aggregation and VeggieRx programs demonstrated how local agriculture can effectively address food insecurity while supporting small-scale farmers. These initiatives connect local farmers with communities in need through a network of healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community organizations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program provided crucial support this year. This federal initiative, created during the pandemic, enables organizations like SCLT to pay farmers fair market rates for their produce while distributing it through emergency food systems. The program proved transformative, helping SCLT expand its network to 14 distribution sites across Rhode Island.

Partner organizations unanimously praised the programs’ implementation, with all reporting complete satisfaction with both produce quality and program communication. More significantly, 83.3% of partners reported that their access to local fresh produce “greatly increased” through participation.

Healthcare facilities like Integra and Clínica Esperanza, educational institutions including Brown Health University, and community centers such as the West End Community Center and Beautiful Beginnings served as vital distribution hubs. This diverse partnership network ensured fresh, locally grown produce reached thousands of Rhode Island residents experiencing food insecurity.

Program participants consistently highlighted the quality and accessibility of the produce. “I had lots of fresh produce that I could use!” shared one participant. “Usually I hesitate to buy fresh veggies because I don’t want them to go to waste if I’m not feeling well enough to prep and cook in the short time they are good.” Spanish-speaking participants particularly appreciated the program’s inclusivity, with one noting, “Todo en fresco y las elecciones son muy buenas” (Everything is fresh and the selections are very good).

However, the year also revealed significant challenges. Farmers reported struggling with limited water access and insufficient land availability, with some traveling to Massachusetts to secure additional growing space. “There is not enough water on the farm,” one farmer explained. “The plants start growing well but then they start dying or there’s inconsistency of growing the same thing at different times because I get different results.”

Several farmers also requested an earlier seasonal start date to better align with spring crops. As one farmer noted, “It would be better for my business to start selling at the end of May because I have lots of things like green onions, carrots, and salad greens that are all done by July (when aggregation starts).”

The most pressing challenge ahead lies in funding sustainability. The LFPA program, which has been instrumental in the programs’ success, concludes early in the 2025 growing season. However, new opportunities for support may emerge through Senator Reed’s Expanding Access To (EAT) Local Foods Act, which would provide dedicated funding for purchasing food from small and local farmers. Additionally, Rhode Island’s Department of Health is seeking to include healthy food prescriptions under Medicaid coverage, which could further support programs like VeggieRx.

Despite these challenges, the programs’ impact remains clear. “This has been my best year of farming ever because of the support from SCLT and connections we’ve been making,” shared one farmer. Another participant noted, “The quality was always great. The recipes have taught me how to use the veggies.”

Looking ahead to 2025, SCLT continues working to secure sustainable funding while addressing farmers’ infrastructure needs. The organization’s success in 2024 demonstrates the vital role these programs play in creating a more equitable and sustainable local food system for Rhode Island.

Support SCLT Youth on 401 Gives Day: April 1

Sanctuary Herbs: Hyperlocal Teas and Botanicals Flourish at Good Earth Farm

Federal Funding Freeze Threatens Vital Community Food, Farmer Programs

The 33rd Annual Rare & Unusual Plant Sale Returns May 17 & 18

SCLT Voices Crucial Perspective at RI’s First Nutrition Security Forum

Remembering Rob Yaffe: A Pioneer in Rhode Island’s Local Food Movement

Breaking Bread: SCLT’s decade-long staff lunch tradition nourishes community

SCLT farmer strengthens operations with Brighter Future Fund grant

Black Food Liberation: Understanding History, Creating Change

Sustaining Success: SCLT’s 2024 Produce Program marks eighth season

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Sustaining Success: SCLT’s 2024 Produce Program marks eighth season