Empowering Seniors and Communities: Fleet Farming's USDA Grant Partnership with ChoZen
In a world where food systems are plagued by inefficiencies and ecological concerns, there's a revolutionary movement that's sowing the seeds of change. Fleet Farming, an innovative urban agriculture program, is leading the charge towards a more sustainable, community-driven future. And now, with the support of the USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant, Fleet Farming is poised to take its mission to new heights, partnering with ChoZen to host a series of impactful activities that empower seniors and transform local food accessibility.
In a world where food systems are plagued by inefficiencies and ecological concerns, there's a revolutionary movement that's sowing the seeds of change. Fleet Farming, an innovative urban agriculture program, is leading the charge towards a more sustainable, community-driven future. And now, with the support of the USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant, Fleet Farming is poised to take its mission to new heights, partnering with ChoZen to host a series of impactful activities that empower seniors and transform local food accessibility.
Fleet Farming: Cultivating Change, One Lawn at a Time
Imagine a world where ordinary lawns become thriving micro farms, bursting with fresh, locally-grown produce. That's the vision Fleet Farming is bringing to life. A brainchild of IDEAS For Us, Fleet Farming is a bike-pedaled urban agriculture program with a goal to increase local food accessibility and transform the way we think about food. By converting lawns into micro farms, or "Fleet Farmlettes," this program is turning the tables on traditional food production and distribution.
The Conundrum of Our Current Food System
Our current food system is far from ideal. The excessive use of fossil fuels during food production and transportation contributes to pollution and climate change. The average American meal travels a staggering 1,500 miles from farm to table, resulting in an unsustainable carbon footprint. Furthermore, the chemicals used on lawns for maintenance contribute to pollution, affecting both our environment and health.
Fleet Farming's Solution: A Community-Powered Approach
Fleet Farming's innovative approach empowers communities to take control of their food system by becoming a part of it. By creating micro farms in residential lawns, the program is promoting local food accessibility, reducing reliance on the conventional food system, and fostering a sense of empowerment. The produce grown on these farmlettes is pedaled to local markets, shared with farm hosts, and donated to food banks, creating a cycle of sustainable abundance.
Introducing the USDA Grant: A Catalyst for Change
Now, the momentum of Fleet Farming's mission is about to be supercharged. With the support of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant, Fleet Farming is embarking on an exciting new chapter – the Expansion of Senior-focused Agriculture Education. This grant not only propels their mission forward but also places a special focus on empowering senior citizens and addressing their unique needs.
Cultivating Empowerment: A Central Vision
At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a central goal: to develop and implement a pioneering senior-focused agricultural education program tailored for individuals aged 55 and above. This comprehensive program blends hands-on learning experiences with cutting-edge digital resources, offering seniors in Sebastian a unique opportunity to reconnect with the earth and each other.
OBJECTIVES
Objective 1: Nurturing Senior Food Producers
The program's first objective is crystal clear: to equip senior participants with the skills necessary to maximize their food production capabilities. Through immersive hands-on activities and engaging digital modules, seniors will unearth the secrets of successful urban agriculture. The result? More than just gardens – these participants will cultivate a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Objective 2: Cultivating Sustainable Practices
Learning isn't confined to the classroom. Objective two revolves around fostering sustainable practices. Empowered by newfound knowledge, seniors will be encouraged to continue their urban agriculture journey at home. These vibrant home gardens will not only yield fresh, nutritious produce but will also stand as living testaments to the power of education.
Objective 3: Sowing Seeds of Nutritional Awareness
True wellbeing stems from what we put on our plates. Objective three delves into the realm of nutrition, guiding seniors through the art of healthy cooking, with a focus on the abundance of locally grown Florida produce. By understanding the nutritional benefits of their harvest, seniors will cultivate not just meals, but pathways to vitality.
Objective 4: Cultivating Connections
Loneliness fades when connections flourish. Objective four tackles the pressing issue of social isolation among seniors. Through intergenerational connections and vibrant community engagement, seniors will forge meaningful bonds that enrich their lives and enhance their overall wellbeing.
Objective 5: Creating Senior-Friendly Spaces
Accessibility is a cornerstone of inclusivity. Objective five underscores the importance of creating spaces where seniors can truly thrive. The training facility at the Village of Kashi will be thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs of seniors, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.
Objective 6: Sowing Seeds of Community Growth
Harvesting wellbeing extends beyond individual gardens. Objective six involves the creation of a dynamic community farmer's market, benefiting not only seniors but the entire Indian River community. This market will not only offer fresh, locally grown produce but will also serve as a hub of connection, vibrancy, and community spirit.
The Power of Partnership: Fleet Farming and ChoZen
Central to this groundbreaking initiative is Fleet Farming's partnership with ChoZen Farm. ChoZen will serve as the host site for a series of activities and events funded by the USDA Grant. Together, Fleet Farming and ChoZen are uniting their expertise and resources to create a powerful platform that benefits seniors and the community at large.
Fleet Farming with Ideas for Us
Fleet Farming's partnership with ChoZen, backed by the USDA Grant, heralds a new era of empowerment, sustainability, and community engagement. By transforming lawns into micro farms and empowering seniors with agricultural knowledge, this collaboration is sowing the seeds for a healthier, more resilient future. Together, we are redefining the way we grow, distribute, and consume food, creating a positive impact on individuals, communities, and the planet. As we embark on this transformative journey, Fleet Farming and ChoZen invite you to join us in cultivating change, one garden at a time..
CAROLINE CHOMANICS
Caroline Chomanics is Chief Operations Officer to the global environmental non-profit and NGO IDEAS For Us and Program Director of the urban agriculture program Fleet Farming. She has a Degree in Landscape and Horticulture Technology from Valencia College and a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Urbanism from Rollins College. She has led a “lawns-to-farms” food movement in Orlando, Florida while helping to lead over 2,000 environmental action projects in over 33 countries in the focus areas of energy, water, food, waste, and ecology to advance global sustainability with IDEAS For Us.
Danae Redington Fleet Farming | Farm Manager | Sebastian, FL
Danae Redington is the Farm Manager for the Fleet Farming program in Sebastian, Florida. Her love for nature led her to a career in Agriculture, where she became passionately committed to implement and share organic, eco-friendly and sustainable farming techniques. She practices land and animal husbandry with the focus on bringing people closer to the idea of where their food comes from.
Danae Redington
Fleet Farming | Farm Manager | Sebastian, FL
Danae Redington is the Farm Manager for the Fleet Farming program in Sebastian, Florida. Her love for nature led her to a career in Agriculture, where she became passionately committed to implement and share organic, eco-friendly and sustainable farming techniques. She practices land and animal husbandry with the focus on bringing people closer to the idea of where their food comes from.
Caroline Chomanics Fleet Farming | Program Director & Chief Operations Officer of IDEAS For Us
Caroline Chomanics is Chief Operations Officer to the global environmental non-profit and NGO IDEAS For Us and Program Director of the urban agriculture program Fleet Farming. She has a Degree in Landscape and Horticulture Technology from Valencia College and a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Urbanism from Rollins College. She has led a “lawns-to-farms” food movement in Orlando, Florida while helping to lead over 2,000 environmental action projects in over 33 countries in the focus areas of energy, water, food, waste, and ecology to advance global sustainability with IDEAS For Us.
Caroline Chomanics
Fleet Farming | Program Director & Chief Operations Officer of IDEAS For Us
Caroline Chomanics is Chief Operations Officer to the global environmental non-profit and NGO IDEAS For Us and Program Director of the urban agriculture program Fleet Farming. She has a Degree in Landscape and Horticulture Technology from Valencia College and a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Urbanism from Rollins College. She has led a “lawns-to-farms” food movement in Orlando, Florida while helping to lead over 2,000 environmental action projects in over 33 countries in the focus areas of energy, water, food, waste, and ecology to advance global sustainability with IDEAS For Us.