Cultivating Change Together: Spotlight on the Black Farmers Co-Op

Hello Friends and Neighbors,

At EFNC, we believe real change happens when residents and organizers come together to address the root causes of environmental injustice. One of our most powerful partners in this mission is the Black Farmers Co-Operative, a collective organization dedicated to empowering Black farmers, addressing food insecurity, and promoting food sovereignty in underserved communities.

Founded as a grassroots initiative, the Black Farmers Co-Operative is reimagining food systems through education, innovation, and community collaboration. Their focus on sustainable agriculture not only improves food access but also helps combat environmental injustices, creating economic opportunities for Black farmers and fostering self-sufficiency in urban communities.

Through their work, the Black Farmers Co-Op is creating a movement that provides community-driven solutions to longstanding issues of food insecurity, environmental racism, and economic inequity.

🛠️ What the Black Farmers Co-Op Does:

• Farmers Markets & Community Engagement
  The Co-Op offers fresh, affordable, and locally grown produce, helping to combat food insecurity and foster community connections.

• Educational Programs
  They provide valuable training in sustainable farming practices, empowering individuals to take control of their food production.

• Youth & Resident-Led Campaigns
  Centering local leadership, the Co-Op organizes youth and residents to advocate for food justice and environmental sustainability.

• Advocacy for Policy Change
  The Black Farmers Co-Op works to promote policies that support equitable access to food and sustainable farming practices, including their efforts to combat food deserts.

🤝 EFNC x Black Farmers Co-Op: A Growing Coalition for Community Empowerment

EFNC is proud to collaborate with the Black Farmers Co-Op, working together to promote food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, and environmental justice in our community. Through this partnership, we’ve been able to amplify local voices, create educational opportunities, and advocate for policies that uplift underserved neighborhoods.

Monique Holland, EFNC board member and administrative assistant for the Co-Op, plays a vital role in organizing markets, managing newsletters, and supporting community-based educational efforts through the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Workforce Development Program.

The Co-Op’s farmers markets are more than just places to buy food—they are spaces of cultural revival, education, and healing. They offer fresh, local produce, opportunities for youth engagement, and a living example of what it means to reclaim land and legacy.

Here’s how our collaboration has made a difference:

• Storytelling & Testimony
  EFNC and the Co-Op have worked together to share powerful community stories that inform and inspire local advocacy efforts.

• Community Engagement & Visibility
  We’ve partnered on local events, such as farmers markets and educational workshops, to raise awareness of food justice issues and engage the community in positive change.

• Direct Action & Advocacy
  Together, we’ve advocated for policies that support food access and sustainability, seeing tangible results in our community.

🌟 Leader Spotlight: Dr. Carol Simmons – Champion for Health, Equity, and Education

At the heart of the Black Farmers Co-Operative’s mission is Dr. Carol Simmons, Executive Director and longtime advocate for sustainable living, education, and community empowerment.

Dr. Simmons holds a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership and has spent over 50 years promoting plant-based nutrition as a committed vegan and health educator. Her leadership is backed by a lifetime of service:

• Former owner of two vegetarian restaurants

• Author of several books including Faith Through Fearlessness, Eat Vegetables Don’t Become One, and children’s books rooted in wellness and empowerment

• Provider of meals to senior citizens for over a decade

• Administrative Director of The International Institute for Advanced Instruction (TIIAI)

• Board member of Elmwood Eastwick Empowerment, Inc. (EEE)—the parent organization of the Black Farmers Co-Op

Under Dr. Simmons’ guidance, the Black Farmers Co-Op has launched a transformative initiative addressing food insecurity and sustainability in Philadelphia’s urban food deserts. Her unwavering commitment continues to uplift families, inspire youth, and bring lasting change to our neighborhoods.

📢 Get Involved: How You Can Help Today

🌱 Shop at the Farmers Market
Support the Black Farmers Co-Op by visiting their community farmers markets. Your purchase helps local farmers and strengthens the community.

✍️ Volunteer or Donate
Get involved by volunteering at upcoming events or donating to support their education programs and community outreach. Sign up to volunteer and support here.

🌍 Attend an Educational Workshop
Join one of the Co-Op’s workshops to learn more about sustainable agriculture and food justice. Gain the skills you need to grow your own food and contribute to local food systems.

📰 Check out the Newsletter
Stay updated on what’s going on with the Black Farmers Co-Op: upcoming events, action and impact, and how you can support by checking out the newsletter here.

🗓️ Upcoming Community Meeting

We are excited to announce our upcoming EFNC Summer Community Meeting

• Topic: Community Meeting with Mayor Cherelle Parker and President Councilman Kenyatta Johnson

• Date: July 23rd 6-8pm

• Location: Embassy Suites, 9000 Bartram Avenue by Philadelphia Airport

Bring your questions and leave with actionable insights.

Until next time,
The EFNC Team