HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A big partnership in Madison County is giving everyone more access to free fresh fruits and veggies just near Alabama A&M University on Meridian Street. Alabama A&M University and the Madison County Commission have signed a five year agreement for a community farm with crops that have already started growing and are ready to harvest.
District 6 Commissioner Violet Edwards said this plot of land was used by the very first Commissioner of District 6, 40 years ago. "The first Commissioner of this District, Dr. Prince Preyer, started it, and he was a professor at the University. And so it was like a gentleman's agreement. He worked the land with researchers and with students and just did a fantastic job."
Alabama A&M University State Extension Specialist Dr. Clement Mensah stresses that this is all about making an impact in the community. "To, you know, ensure that we have food security and then, you know, food sovereignty, too, so that people will know where our food comes from. And then also eat local food."
According to Hunger Free America, food insecurity in Alabama grew to more than 44 percent between 2021 and 2023. "There are statistics out there to show there are many people that don't have food to eat. So by putting food on the table of many for me, I think we are doing justice to, you know, the taxpayers money and then ensuring that, you know, food is available."
Jason Andra with the Madison County Commission said the farm is open to the public and anyone is welcome to come and pick vegetables anytime. "The crops we have growing right now is mustard, the light green. And then, we have kale and the middle row and collards on the far end of this field. We'll grow two or three different varieties of sweet corn. Okra will be growing peas. Our green beans will be going on the ground soon, planning on growing cantaloupe and several other row crops. We try and always have some variety in the garden for people to come and harvest."