Eartha’s Farm & Market Workshop Confronts Urban Social, Economic and Environment Food Desert Habitiats

This past weekend, Dr. Richard D. Schulterbrandt Gragg III, a professor at Florida A&M University (FAMU), and University of Arkansas PhD student Terrius Bruce were featured speakers at ‘Voices In Bloom: Advocating for Environmental Sustainability,’ held at Eartha’s Farm & Market. The event focused on promoting sustainable practices within communities, and both speakers addressed the critical role food systems play in shaping healthy, resilient communities. The workshop forum was a component of the weekend’s agenda for gardeners, volunteers and speakers to engage with a panel of experts as they discussed the vital role of civic engagement in promoting environmental sustainability. The panel included speakers and experts from LISC Jacksonville, Florida A&M University, St. Johns Riverkeeper, City of Jacksonville, and Jax Climate Coalition. Followed by an interactive Q&A session, attendees also learned about the critical importance of voting in shaping environmental policy from the Supervisor of Elections. This session included a speech, a voting machine demonstration and an opportunity to register to vote. The day’s activities offered food and beverage samplings from local vendors, providing a space for networking and further discussion on the day’s topics.

Dr. Gragg, a Professor of Environmental Science & Policy at FAMU, emphasized how food acts as a central hub for addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. Terrius Bruce, an Environmental Dynamics PhD student and Executive Director of Rhythmic Alliance for Community Sustainability, echoed this sentiment. He also shared insights from his children’s book, The Young Garden King, which uses storytelling to inspire young leaders to engage in local food initiatives. Their presentation underscored the importance of food as a vehicle for collaboration, community-building, and economic opportunity. They proposed actionable next steps for advancing food sustainability, aligning with the missions of organizations like Clara White Mission and Eartha’s Farm. These steps include expanding participatory strategic alliances, fostering collaborations, and enhancing resources to support sustainable food systems.

For more information about the presentation and next steps, visit https://arcg.is/1fmD0z2 or visit  or visit https://www.clarawhitemission.org/