SCLT is known for our programming to bring equity to local food production and access. Within this work, the collection, or aggregation, and distribution of fresh produce has been turbocharged since 2022, when SCLT and other food sector partners entered into an initial $475,000 contract with the state.
Block Party celebrates new retail businesses at 404 Broad Street
On a warm Saturday, October 28, our Trinity Square neighbors turned out to meet, sample food, dance, and celebrate the three new healthy food businesses that are making their new homes at 404 Broad Street: Black Beans PVD, D’s Spot, and the West African Superstore. The event helped build excitement for the final stage of opening SCLT’s Healthy Food Hub, which is bringing nutritious, fresh and culturally appealing food to an area where it has been scarce for far too long.
There was music, thanks to DJ Ladyruck and DJ Franchise. There were beverages thanks to Bottles Fine Wine, and there were kids’ activities. We want to give a special shout out to Thames & Kosmos, which donated 75 educational toys for the event.
SCLT’s neighbors went home from the party with free produce grown at 27 farms in SCLT’s network. The giveaway was one of about a dozen funded by the multi-year USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance grant program, which runs through next year.
Farmer Garmai Mawolo and SCLT’s Kakeena Castro staffing the produce giveaway table during the party.
The party marked a soft opening for the tenants, although Bean Marcelino has been using the commercial kitchen at SCLT for much of the past year. Chef/owner Bean will open the doors of Black Beans PVD in late November. Darell Douglas, owner of D’s Spot, is also aiming for the end of the month. Luna Walker is eager to open, as soon as her shipment of imported African goods clears customs and arrives in Providence.
Southside Smoothie – New Retail Partner
After participating in the Taste of Trinity event held at Southside Community Land Trust’s headquarters in early April, Eric Mercado, community activist and owner of Southside Smoothie, recently revisited the Healthy Food Hub at 404 Broad Street to learn more about our operations.
New headquarters wins historic preservation award
Unless you’ve lived in Providence for a long, long time, you probably wouldn’t know that our newly renovated building at 404 Broad Street started out as a livery, where neighbors stored their horses and carriages.
A South Providence hub supports healthy food for all
Southside Community Land Trust’s 404 Broad Street brings fresh produce and more to the neighborhood
By Katarina Dulude, Providence Monthly
Local food builds health, community and sustainability
A robust Rhode Island food system would support environmental justice and help mitigate climate change. The current corporate-ruled system is collapsing under the weight of a changing climate, even as the barriers to food equality grow.
By Frank Carini, ecoRINews
Southside Community Land Trust remains at the forefront of urban farming in Rhode Island
As urban farming continues to expand in response to neighborhood food woes, Southside Community Land Trust’s Good Earth Farm in western Cranston is leading the charge.
Ellen Liberman, RI Monthly
‘Social returns’ inspire unusual 404 Broad investment
The Conservation Law Foundation’s Healthy Retail and Commerce Fund offers a new model for social investment
by Laurie O’Reilly, Conservation Matters
