From vacant lots to fresh food, County partnerships are helping grow a more resilient local food system
Urban agriculture is experiencing rapid growth nationwide, and Hillsborough County is no exception. Hillsborough County Government, through its Homegrown Hillsborough program, is playing a key role in helping foster that momentum by connecting residents, supporting education, and strengthening the region's local food system. The impact of that work was on full display during the recent Homegrown Hillsborough Annual Conference, where more than 150 community members, growers, and educators gathered to explore the future of food in Hillsborough County.
One of the highlights of the conference was a guided tour of Meacham Urban Farm, the largest urban farm in the Tampa Bay area. Roughly 50 attendees visited the two-acre operation, a true urban oasis tucked in the shadows of downtown's skyscrapers and surrounded by public housing communities. For many families in the neighborhood, Meacham is one of the only convenient places to access fresh produce, which makes it a critical food resource in an area that has long been considered a food desert.
A Downtown Farm Feeding Its Neighborhood
What began as a vacant plot of land has grown into a thriving urban agriculture hub. Today, Meacham grows a wide variety of seasonal produce, including lettuce, beets, bananas, celery, kale, tomatoes, cauliflower, basil, and more. The farm also maintains chickens that help supply the community with fresh eggs.
To help plants thrive in Florida's intense sun and weather, the farm uses hurricane-grade shade tents across portions of its growing beds. These structures help regulate light and heat, improving crop resilience and extending the growing season.
Meacham also operates an on-site farm store, where customers can purchase produce harvested directly from the garden, as well as goods sourced from regional farmers, bakers, and beekeepers. Its customer base has seen significant growth over the past few years. As a result, this season they're expanding their store hours, going from being open three days a week to five days a week. The store accepts multiple forms of payment, including EBT/SNAP, helping make fresh, local food more accessible for families of all income levels.
Homegrown Hillsborough's Role in Expanding the Food System
The County's food-system program, Homegrown Hillsborough works to strengthen the connection residents have with their food by expanding access, encouraging local agriculture, and building a more diverse and reliable food system through programming and events like the tour of Meacham Urban Farm as part of Homegrown Hillsborough's Annual Conference. It's proof collaborative partnerships between government, schools, private growers, and residents can help urban farming flourish. As interest in local food continues to grow, Hillsborough County remains committed to supporting the initiatives and innovators cultivating a healthier and more sustainable future for residents.
