At Grow Dat, we make space for understanding systems of oppression and dreaming of a more equitable, liberated, and abundant world. Inspired by youth feedback in 2020, GDotG promotes food justice across New Orleans communities in two ways: 1) bringing together those most impacted by current food inequities to lead local efforts to address those inequities, and 2) increasing access to fresh, affordable, and culturally-relevant food.
Grow Dat on the Geaux
Grow Dat in the Community
In early 2023, we launched Grow Dat on the Geaux in the historically-significant Central City neighborhood of New Orleans. Helmed by two project staff and five Grow Dat leadership program alumni who serve as community conversation facilitators, the initial work of the GDotG team was to build and nurture trust with and among residents, food growers and distributors, values-aligned local organizations, and other neighborhood stakeholders. As the base of engaged stakeholders continues to expand, the group has begun identifying the specific food-related cultural assets and needs of the area. In spring 2024, we’ll put this knowledge into collective action, as we expand fresh food distribution in Central City and host cooking and gardening classes, while continuing to center community relationships along the way.
Interested in connecting with out GDotG team as a community partner? Contact Kaya Jones at kaya@growdatyouthfarm.org.
