Growing Communities Inc. / Crop Swap LA
is a majority BIPOC- and women-led agricultural non-profit operating micro farms in the urban neighborhoods of Leimert Park and Crenshaw in Southern Los Angeles, California. The organization implements innovative projects that transform underutilized spaces into efficient food production sites, utilizing rainwater harvesting and sustainable farming practices. Growing Communities brings food access, environmental benefits, and economic opportunities to local residents. The micro farms grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are distributed through a membership-based CSA model available to residents within one mile of each farm. Crop Swap LA received a $5,000 grant to develop a new micro farm site, buying garden bed materials, seedlings, soil, and a rainwater catchment and drip irrigation system.
“Funding from the FruitGuys Community Fund enabled the successful installation of farming infrastructure at a South LA high school, completing the first phase of a space designed to produce over 5,000 pounds of fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables annually. In addition to food production, the space will serve as an outdoor learning environment, featuring student enrichment activities and STEM integration. Student-led projects will continue enhancing the space with natural landscaping that supports native pollinators,” said John Garside, director of Policy & Development.
