As we reflect on our incredible journey with Dig Deep Farms, we are filled with both pride and a touch of nostalgia. It all began with DSALs vision to create a healthy and sustainable haven in our heavily divested area - part of that vision being the creation of healthy and regenerative agricultural operations.
From our modest beginnings, DSAL nurtured and grew Dig Deep Farms into a thriving collective that feeds our community and supports the Recipe 4 Health program, which serves over 1,000 patients annually through five health clinics across the county.
Diet-related health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be significantly alleviated with the support of nutritious, natural foods, so we have always believed that healthy eating is the cornerstone of a healthy life. By providing fresh, locally grown produce, Dig Deep Farms has been a part of creating opportunities for the community to embrace a healthier lifestyle, directly improving their well-being.
Dig Deep Farms also specializes in regenerative farming - a practice that cuts greenhouse gasses and mitigates the negative health impacts of conventional farming. This sustainable approach not only nourishes the soil but also ensures that our future generations will continue to benefit from the earth's bounty.
Under our nurturing umbrella, Dig Deep Farms has flourished! We started with a humble 1 ¼ acre plot and have expanded to around 150 acres across six plots. From a single dedicated individual, Dig Deep Farms has grown into a vibrant team of over 20 farmers, all receiving wages above the local standard. This growth and success have been possible because of the hard work done every day by the Dig Deep Farms team, and the support from our Partners, Funders, and our community.
And now, as all great things evolve, Dig Deep Farms is evolving! To continue their journey and sustain their growth, Dig Deep Farms will now be joining forces and operating under the fiscal sponsorship of The Food Bank! This transition will provide them with the larger funding and infrastructure they need to continue to grow and thrive. Farming operations will continue, the community will continue to be served, and the dedicated Dig Deep Farms team members will retain their positions, ensuring that the strong bonds and shared mission they have built over the years together remain intact.
Troy and Sasha have been the heart and soul of Dig Deep Farms from the very beginning, and all their efforts have brought them to where they are today - supporting the community with healthy food. Troy and Sasha are spreading their wings and creating their own nonprofit where they will continue the mission to serve and uplift our community, and provide well-paying jobs for BIPOC farmers who nourish and respect the earth.
As we look back on all we have accomplished together, and forward toward great new things to come, we celebrate the incredible achievements we have made together. We are confident that Dig Deep Farms will continue to be a beacon of hope and nourishment within our community, and we’re excited to see what great new strides they are able to take with the Food Banks support.
On our side, DSAL is focusing our food-related efforts on our Commercial Kitchen, where small food entrepreneurs can find affordable kitchen space to run their businesses and get a strong start within a supportive community with similar goals.
Recognizing the challenges that many small food businesses face when they are trying to find their footing, we have created an affordable, fully equipped kitchen space to help passionate individuals turn their culinary dreams into thriving enterprises that in turn, support our community with more options, more jobs, and great food.
From food trucks and caterers to small-batch producers and budding restaurateurs, our kitchen has become a launchpad for a diverse array of food-based businesses. You can find many of them in our Kitchen Collective publication if you’re looking for some delicious new options to try!
For more information about our kitchen, visit Commercial Kitchen on our website.
With heartfelt optimism for the future, we wish Dig Deep Farms continued success and growth on their new journey!
The DSAL Team
For anyone who needs assistance with food, we have a list of local pantries on our website for you.
Join us, and contribute to a healthier and safer community!