Part 5/10:
The journey began with planting a garden, with the intent of preparing residents for jobs and growing their own food. Initial efforts faced hurdles; city ordinances once prohibited market gardens, restricting the farm’s ability to sell its produce. However, persistence paid off when the community successfully worked to rewrite local laws, permitting the operation of market gardens.
To sustain these efforts, Bonton Farm opened a market and cafe, turning fresh produce into economic activity. A new coffeehouse, scheduled to open soon, exemplifies their commitment to local enterprise. They also recognized that meaningful employment is only part of the equation—access to transportation and secure, comfortable housing are equally vital.