Village Farm at Stanley by Mikhaela Mullins she/her Village Farm Senior Manager
Farm space for immigrants and refugees in Aurora.
May 24, 2023
#Refugee
#FoodSovereignty
What is one thing you would like people to know?
Village Exchange Center (VEC) launched Village Farm during the pandemic to promote economic development while tackling food insecurity. Located on a two-acre site a mile from our building, Village Farm is a green jewel in urban Aurora. Situated atop a "brownfield" (a former industrial site where future use is affected by environmental contamination), the above-ground garden beds provide space where Aurora's immigrant and refugee communities can grow food and community.
VEC believes that food and farming can be vehicles for social change. The Village Farm increases access to fresh and culturally-relevant produce while serving as a gathering space for cultural exchange, education, and celebration. Village Farm transcends socio-economic, geographic, and cultural differences to connect diverse communities to each other and the natural environment while promoting food security in North West Aurora.
The Village Farm at Stanley has the goals to:
1) To increase access to organic and culturally relevant produce and herbs for our immigrant and refugee community,
2) Educate and improve social wellbeing by being a community hub and place for celebration and cultural exchange, and
3) Provide workforce development training for participants of our Urban Farming Immersion program.
How are diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism exemplified in this work?
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism work are a core pillars and values at Village Farm and is woven into all that we do. From the curriculum that we use for the Urban Farming Immersion program to the advocacy work we do on behalf of Food Justice North West Aurora, we aim to create a welcoming space for all while work towards food sovereignty.
How can people support or get involved?
https://villageexchangecenter.org/programs/village-farms-at-stanley/
We hold regular volunteer hours on Thursday's from 9:30 - 11:30am. Please contact Mikhaela Mullins at mikhaela@villageexchangecenter.org to schedule.