Urban Farming Entrepreneur Addresses Food Deserts in Minneapolis
Todd Western IV, a seventh-generation Black farmer, is establishing Freedom Farms in north Minneapolis to combat inner-city food deserts. His initiative focuses on growing fresh produce like Malabar spinach, okra, and collard greens in an urban setting. Western's family has a long legacy in farming, owning one of the oldest Black-owned farms in Iowa. He initially started Freedom Farms in 2021 by growing microgreens in his basement, which are known for their nutritional density. These microgreens were sold at farmer's markets and to local restaurants, including Owamni. With grant funding from the USDA, Western expanded his operation outdoors, creating garden beds and a rainwater collection system on a small plot in Minneapolis. His current outdoor produce is primarily sold to Open Arms, a non-profit that provides medically-tailored meals.
