In the past, Christina Dedora has held jobs in the corporate world and public sector.
Now, she can be found working in fields and greenhouses in Western Cranston – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Since SCLT’s founding nearly 40 years ago, staff have focused on providing access to land for people who want to grow food. This started with community gardens in Providence, but now includes large urban and rural farms in multiple Rhode Island communities.
Driving down Pippin Orchard Road in Cranston, number 35 stands out. There’s a large sign for Urban Edge Farm next to the driveway. Turn in and you will see beautiful herbs, luscious vegetable fields, and an old barn.
SCLT is opening up more acreage for small-scale farmers this year at Urban Edge Farm (UEF).
AmeriCorps sent a 10-member crew to help maintain and rebuild several SCLT properties at the end of the summer. During their three and a half weeks, they may not have moved heaven, but they moved plenty of earth. And rocks. And tree stumps.
SCLT is looking for an experienced professional to steward all of our properties including production farms, leased farms, community gardens and buildings.
SCLT is looking for an experienced professional to become our Director of Farmland Access and Education.
CRANSTON, RI—When Jamhal Latimer returned from four years of military service he wasn’t sure what was next. The adjustment period was challenging, and it was during this time of transition he turned to cleaner eating. Having never willingly eaten vegetables in his life, or known the benefit of real nutrition, Latimer’s homemade smoothies created an opening in his life’s path.
By LEIGH VINCOLA/ecoRI News contributor
PROVIDENCE — This growing season the Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) will introduce a farming apprenticeship specifically designed for veterans and minorities. Funded by a grant from the USDA’s Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program, this is the first opportunity of its kind in the area.
