This week, we’ll witness another historic moment at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. For nearly two years, The Black Church Food Security Network has been working with Pastor Raphael Warnock, his ministry team and congregation; helping them to connect with Black farmers and expand their capacity for food justice ministry in the Atlanta Metro area.
On Earth Day Sunday 2024, Rev. Heber Brown, III preached and helped to promote the church’s new Community Supported Agriculture program. BCFSN helped to organize partners and supported the planning of this important endeavor. During Spring 2024, more than 80 members of the congregation paid Black farmers, Musa and Micole Hasan of Bread and Butter Farms upfront to provide them with 10-weeks worth of farm-fresh produce. Now it’s harvest time!
Members of the church will receive their share of the harvest beginning this Sunday. Over the course of 10 weeks, they’ll receive cucumbers, eggplant, sweet potatoes, okra, watermelons, sweet corn, onions, garlic, lettuce, cabbage, various varieties of squash, zucchini, rosemary, cantaloupe, figs, persimmons, thyme, basil, green peppers, shishito, and a variety of fruit as well!
This coming Sunday, August 25, 2024, will be the first distribution of produce from these Black farmers at Ebenezer! This congregation – known throughout the world for its commitment to social justice and historic pastors, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – will now make history for launching a church-based CSA program in support of Black farmers. Dr. Heber Brown, III will be in attendance for the historic day. We invite all who can to meet us in Atlanta this Sunday at Ebenezer Baptist Church!