Plant It Forward has been a cornerstone of positive change in the Brays Oaks District since its inception. Founded in 2011 by siblings, Pat and Teresa O’Donnell, the organization emerged from a deep-seated commitment to improving the lives of refugees and fostering a stronger community through agriculture.

The seeds for Plant It Forward were sown when the O’Donnells became inspired by their involvement with refugee resettlement agencies like Catholic Charities, recognizing a significant gap. Rachel Lockhart Folkerts, the Farm Program Director, explained the initial vision: “Our founders saw that refugees often had agricultural skills but struggled to find suitable employment. With Houston’s year-round growing season, they realized there was a potential to leverage these skills into meaningful work.” The O’Donnells saw an opportunity to bridge this gap through farming.

Starting a farming initiative in an urban setting posed several hurdles. Securing long-term land access was a significant challenge, as competitive land markets and high startup costs created barriers. Urban farms lack the infrastructure typical of rural farms, further complicating the process. Rachel noted, “Farming is hard work, and getting secure land access is particularly tough. Also, many people in the U.S. are not used to eating seasonally, so part of our role has been to educate the community about how to cook with and enjoy seasonal produce.”

Plant It Forward operates several key programs that benefit the Brays Oaks District:

  1. Refugee Farmer Training: The core of Plant It Forward’s mission involves training refugees in sustainable farming practices. This program not only provides employment but also fosters a sense of belonging. Refugees learn to manage farms, grow produce, and engage with the local market. “The opportunity really is life-changing for our farmers,” Rachel shared. “It provides them with skills and a sense of belonging that is crucial after their experiences of displacement.”
  2. Seasonal Eating Education: The organization works to reintroduce seasonal vegetables to the community. Through farmers’ markets and educational programs, residents learn how to prepare and enjoy produce like Jerusalem Artichokes and Roselle Hibiscus. Plant It Forward has introduced crops that are now popular in our farmers’ markets. It’s rewarding to them to see people excited about seasonal produce they hadn’t encountered before.
  3. Kids’ Programs: Plant It Forward also engages local schools with educational programs. Students visit the farms to learn about agriculture and the origins of their food. Rachel highlighted, “When kids come to the farm, they are experiencing something new; it’s not often they see vegetables growing. Some get to witness for the first time a live carrot getting pulled from the ground. It’s a great opportunity to teach them about where their food comes from and the importance of farming.”

Businesses in the Brays Oaks District also benefit from Plant It Forward’s presence. Local companies can participate in team-building activities at the farm, host farm shares for employees, or engage in private cooking classes that promote healthy, local eating. These collaborations offer unique opportunities for businesses to support community wellness while fostering team cohesion. Additionally, some businesses, like local gyms and churches, serve as pickup locations for farm shares, further integrating Plant It Forward into the community. Having local businesses involved helps to build a stronger connection between Plant It Forward and the community. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Looking ahead, Plant It Forward is focused on enhancing its existing programs. The emphasis is on refining and improving current sites to ensure they remain sustainable and beneficial to the community. Plant It Forward is committed to making sure their existing farms are well-maintained and continue to serve the community effectively.

For those interested in supporting Plant It Forward, there are numerous ways to get involved. Donations and volunteers are always needed to help maintain and beautify the urban farms. Businesses can engage by hosting team-building events, participating in farm shares, or organizing cooking classes. Individuals and organizations can also contribute by spreading the word about the benefits of local, seasonal produce. As Rachel emphasized, “It takes a community to make a farm viable. We appreciate all the support we receive and look forward to continuing to grow and strengthen our impact in the Brays Oaks District.”

To learn more, visit their website, plantitforward.farm, or reach out via email at [email protected]. Your support can help sustain these valuable programs and continue to make a positive impact in the Brays Oaks District.