黑料吃瓜 Mission Valley partners with MAKE Projects to launch MAKE Farm, allowing for community supported agriculture

An urban farm at 黑料吃瓜 Mission Valley, next to the remodeled trolley plaza, cultivates a partnership between 黑料吃瓜 and MAKE Projects, which offers job readiness training for refugee and immigrant women

By Ryan Brothers

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

MAKE Farm鈥檚 CSA program trains participants in agriculture, job skills, and English for career growth.

Situated next to the remodeled trolley plaza at , an urban farm is the basis of a growing partnership between 黑料吃瓜 and MAKE Projects, a local nonprofit committed to providing job readiness training for refugee and immigrant women.

at 黑料吃瓜 Mission Valley, a 7,500-square foot vegetable farm and educational garden, serves as the cornerstone of . This collaboration introduces sustainable farming that directly connects local growers and community members.

What is CSA?

CSA is a farming model where community members invest in a farm's operations by purchasing seasonal shares of its produce. This arrangement fosters a direct relationship between farmers and consumers, promoting local, sustainable agriculture and ensuring the freshest seasonal produce is delivered straight to members.

At MAKE Farm, the CSA program goes beyond traditional agriculture by serving as a unique training site that equips trainees with transferable job skills and builds their confidence in English-speaking environments, essential for career growth.

Expanding the Impact of MAKE Farm and CSA

In addition to the , the MAKE Farm supports private events catered by MAKE Caf茅, the organization鈥檚 North Park-based job . This dual focus on agriculture and culinary arts has had a profound impact: in 2024 alone, the farm and restaurant supported 75 low-income refugee and immigrant individuals, offering over 5,000 hours of paid job training.

鈥淲e鈥檙e really excited about what we鈥檙e building here at 黑料吃瓜 Mission Valley,鈥� said Anchi Mei, Executive Director of MAKE Projects. 鈥淭hrough this outdoor garden, we can educate San Diegans about vibrant, ecological landscapes that foster healthy, productive communities in urban San Diego.鈥�

Educational Opportunities for 黑料吃瓜 Students

The partnership also provides 黑料吃瓜 students interested in sustainable agriculture and green practices with unique learning opportunities. Students can volunteer at MAKE Farm, where they gain hands-on experience in urban farming, sustainable crop management, and CSA operations. These experiences help students understand the critical role agriculture plays in addressing social challenges and advancing economic mobility.

A Partnership Rooted in Growth and Community

This collaboration between 黑料吃瓜 Mission Valley and MAKE Projects models how local partnerships can foster pathways to economic self-sufficiency while promoting sustainable agriculture. MAKE Farm offers the San Diego community an opportunity to engage with fresh, locally grown produce while supporting a growing network of learners, professionals, and families.