AME Farm and Garden Initiative: Growing Together to Strengthen Community Through Local Food Systems
By Jennifer Oliver, Ph. D.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of robust local food systems for resilience, sustainability, and community well-being. In 2021, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church International Health Commission launched the AME Farm and Garden Initiative in response to rising food insecurity at both local and national levels. This initiative aims to connect, catalog, and provide resources to AME Churches and associated institutions interested in establishing or maintaining gardens or farms.
Under the leadership of the Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, the AME Farm/Garden Initiative, in partnership with the Black Church Food Security Network (BCFSN), has been addressing localized food insecurity. Since 2016, BCFSN has supported churches across the United States in establishing gardens, hosting mini-farmers markets, and connecting churches with Black farmers. Through this partnership, AME churches received $500 grants to assist in garden startup or upkeep.
Since the inception of this collaboration, the AME Farm/Garden Initiative has cataloged over 100 gardens within the connectional church, spanning the United States and Africa. Below are a few highlights of these gardens:
San Antonio Million Garden Project: Under the leadership of Presiding Elder Dr. Raymond Bryant, churches in the San Antonio District have mobilized around the mission of “changing the world one garden and one life at a time by teaching people to grow, cook, and eat healthy food.” Their vision is “to build stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities by overcoming food insecurity.” Drawing inspiration from 3 John 1:2, the San Antonio Million Garden Project has established 12 gardens at churches and community sites over the past two years. Additionally, they have delivered, set up, and planted 175 garden beds in private homes in the last nine months.
Bethel AME Ardmore Victory Gardens: The Bethel Community Garden was started in 2017 by the Rev. Carolyn Cavaness and members of the congregation in partnership with Trellis for Tomorrow. Originally a 288-square-foot space with six raised beds and an in-ground drip system, it has grown into a network of community gardeners and 50 gardens known as the Ardmore Victory Gardens. Volunteers from Bethel provide ongoing technical support, seedlings, and garden beds to members of the network. In 2024 alone, the Bethel Community Garden has produced nearly 1,000 pounds of food, all distributed to the community through local food banks at no cost. For more information, visit Ardmore Victory Gardens.
Thabitha Forage Farm at Paul Quinn AME, Eswatini (also known by its former name, Swaziland): Upon learning about the AME Farm/Garden Initiative, Sis. Tsakasile Ndlangamandla saw an opportunity to enhance food security, create jobs for young and elderly community members, and foster intergenerational fellowship. With funding and support from Bishop Francine Brookins and Supervisor Dr. Miriam Burnett, the Thabitha Forage Farm was established. In April 2023, the farm completed its first harvest of oyster mushrooms, which have become a vital commodity for local markets and restaurants.
As a food scientist and food systems developer, I firmly believe investing in local food production and distribution can mitigate risks associated with global supply chain disruptions and enhance food security. As a connectional church historically rooted in underserved communities, we have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in innovatively creating a sustainable food system for the future. This effort can help achieve the global goal of zero hunger while promoting health and wellness in our communities. Join us in this endeavor!
For information about joining the AME Farm and Garden Initiative, contact the Rev. Carolyn Cavaness at amefarmfresh@gmail.com or register at AME Farm and Garden SignUp Form.
The Reverend Rev. Jennifer Oliver holds a Ph. D. in Food Science and has published peer reviewed articles in research areas including nutritional toxicology, food safety and security, colon cancer prevention, and functional foods. She is an itinerant elder in the 5th Episcopal District, serving on the ministerial staff at First AME Church in Pasadena, California.
