On Sunday, August 25, 2024, The Black Church Food Security Network was in Atlanta to celebrate the first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) distribution day for Ebenezer Baptist Church. 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. During the summer of 2023, we began convening meetings with local Black farmers and coalesced around an idea for a CSA at their church. We were introduced to the perfect partners in Musa and Micole Hassan of Bread and Butter Farms. Through a very tedious, months-long planning process largely led by Ethel Richards of IEatMorePlants, the day finally came to launch the CSA!
Musa and Micole pulled up with a truck load of farm fresh produce (including watermelons!) to Ebenezer Baptist Church on the last Sunday of August 2024. Rev. Brown was on site to help celebrate and support. The nearly 100 watermelons were placed under the church marque while the other vegetables were placed on tables beside the church. After worship, members who had signed up and paid for their share in the CSA months earlier, lined up to receive their fruit and vegetables. This weekly distribution of produce will continue until Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Check out some of the photos from this historic and special day!
