Re:farm Denver is a community initiative to address the limited availability and accessibility of locally grown organicfood in urban areas, particularly to low-income residents.  We empower low-income communities to create sustainable food systems.  This is food grown by the community, in the community, and for the community.  We help to improve individual health, strengthen families and communities, and uses fewer chemicals and less energy to grow food and get it to our plates.

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1. Empower low-income communities to create sustainable food systems;

Our primary work is to address the lack of access and affordability of healthy food - including locally grown organic produce - in low-income areas, most that are considered food deserts. We empower communities by working with them to cultivate local leadership, identify and obtain resources, and serve as a guide and supporter for growing and distributing food. Our philosophy is food grown in the community, by the community, and for the community.

1. Education and Training
   • Training resident leaders
   • Community dialogues and forums
   • Workshops and trainings
   • Certificate tracts
2. Food Production
   • Backyard Gardens
   • Community Urban Farms
3. Food Distribution
   • Farmer's Markets
   • CSA program
   • Restaurants, schools, churches, etc.
4. Youth Curriculum and Leadership
   • School gardens with garden-to-cafeteria and classroom curriculum
   • Youth internship and leadership program

2. Strengthen the infrastructure and capacity for a local food system;

A sustainable local food system connects local producers to local consumers in a mutually beneficial relationship. Farming is done with respect to the economic, social, environmental, and health needs of the community in which it serves.

1. Education and awareness
   • Research on local food system
   • Understanding reality of farming and food production
   • Promote local and seasonal produce
2. Connect local farmers to local consumers
   • Promote CSA programs
   • CSA program for low-income families
   • Develop infrastructure for farm-to-restaurant system

3. Develop awareness and advocacy on food related issues and legislation.

Public education on food related issues is needed to developa greater awareness about the connection between food (both production andconsumption) and larger environmental, health, social and economic crises. Changes are needed in our publicpolicies about farming and food.

1. Educate public about food issues
   • Research and publication
   • Advocacy and action campaigns
2. Lobby for Policy changes
   • Farm Bill
   • Land for agriculture
   • End subsidies for agribusiness
   • Change large-scale farming practices

Impact of Re:farm Denver

Our backyard garden program has grown from 7 families in 2009 to 87 in 2011!  We currently have a waiting list of over 100 families that would like to start their own garden.

Sponsor a garden for a low-income family

$25 – pays for seeds and plants for a garden

$50 – pays for compost, water bill, and organic fertilizers

$250 – provides an entire garden and support for a family of four to grow and receive healthy, organic vegetables for six months.

$500 – provides not only a garden for a family, but also technical assistance on gardening, and for a community health promoter that works with each family to provide healthy eating support.

$1000 – provides community workshops and trainings that build strong, self-sufficient and sustainably communities.

Click here to Sponsor Now!

Map of Gardens

View Revision Garden Map 2011 in a larger map 

Program Numbers

What is a Food Desert?

A food desert is a community that lacks food security – meaning consistent access to healthy and safe food. In these areas you’re more likely to find fast food then you are a grocery store. We’ve identified over 20 communities in the Denver-metro area that lack food security, and most have a high incidence of crime, violence, childhood obesity and diet related health illness, and high school drop out rates. In 2010, we’ve worked with 40 families to convert their yard to a garden, and we’ve expanded our community urban farm. In 2011, we aim to reach over 100 gardens and start at least 2 new community urban farms.

Revision International builds strategic partnerships with other organizations to increase the impact of our work. One of our innovative partnerships is working with multi-sectoral organizations to prevent violence in low-income communities by increasing the access to healthy food. Th

This project, called "Semillas de Esperanza," was selected to be a 1 of 6 pilot projects by the Convergence Partnership and the Prevention Institute.  Learn more about this partnership here.

Partner Organizations