MISSION STATEMENT
Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition promotes healthy lifestyles and environments through hands on education about production and consumption of locally-produced, natural, healthy foods.
WHY URBAN AGRICULTURE?
People are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their food choices make on their health, families and the environment. Farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture, backyard and urban farms are growing in numbers as people are longing to reconnect with their food and those who make it grow. Urban Agriculture helps meet these needs by reclaiming unused property in heavily populated areas by creating a working farm that grows environmental and health conscious produce which is distributed or sold within the local community.
Urban Agriculture can transform empty or blighted lots, raise property values, reduce crime, provide a local source of income and be a point of community pride. When placed in lower income areas the farm can connect with those who will benefit greatly by learning to grow their own food. Urban Farms can also offer programs to allow individuals to work the farm in exchange for produce.
Urban Agriculture also provides vast educational opportunities. By teaming with local schools and youth organizations, children learn where food comes from, how plants grow and the importance of eating responsibly for themselves and the environment.