Shalom Farms

is a regional food security, community development project of United MethodistUrban Ministries of Richmond (UMUMR).

Begun in the fall of 2008, Shalom Farms is a nonprofit community farm project with the overarching goal of increasing food security in the Richmond region, particularly in low-income urban neighborhoods. A collaboration with many diverse and expert partners, the project is attaining its goal by: 1) providing fresh and healthy produce to underserved communities; 2) providing educational training to children and adults on growing food, nutrition, and food-based entrepreneurship; and 3) linking community groups to a wide range of food security resources and partners.

Shalom Farms and its partner network connects communities in which poverty is high (food insecurity exists) with fresh, healthy foods, while building community and increasing the self-sufficiency of those involved. We accomplish our goals via:
Food production
Using high-density urban farming techniques that are replicable in urban communities
Education of children, youth and adults
Gardening for food production
Cooking and eating nutritionally
Food preservation and storage
Entrepreneurship development
Using Asset Based Community Development (strengths orientation) to build neighborhood self-sufficiency

Together we grow healthy food, families, and friends.