Through the Soil to Sanctuary Market, we partner with congregations to bring miniature farmer’s markets to churches on days that they worship or gather. Having Black farmers and food business owners selling their items at Houses of Worship provides a mutually beneficial opportunity for growers/producers to tap into a niche’ market and for congregants and neighbors to have greater access to nutrient-rich food.
Join us on the Market Tour through the eyes of our Events Team Intern, Brahein, as he recaps the Markets this Fall! For more information, email [email protected].
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October 30, 2022: First Baptist Church of Baltimore – Baltimore, Marylan
One of my favorite things about hosting Soil to Sanctuary Markets at churches across the country is having the opportunity to fellowship and get to know the members of each congregation. This past weekend at First Baptist Church of Baltimore, talking to the members of the church simply over a broccoli or collards transaction brightened up my morning. I really get this relaxed feeling of home being surround by a family of black church people conversating. The church has a beautiful enclosed space, which we suggested would be perfect for a church garden, and I watched Brian Anderson, BCFSN’s treasurer, take a tour of the space with smiles as he and one of the trustees imagined what could be. It was beautiful to see a line of cars parked on the side of the road as members arrived to pick up their produce. We had collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, and broccoli. That Sunday I saw the biggest head of broccoli I’ve ever seen! Shoutout to Tendea Family they are becoming one of my personal favorite vendors we have invited out so far they make delicious banana bread that I buy every market. It was great to see so much effort to support our Black Farmers, and we are going to find ways to improve and keep doing so!
by Brahein Richardson, BCFSN Events Intern
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October 16, 2022: Taylor Tabernacle – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This was my first market out of the Baltimore area as we had to travel for it so I think that made things extra exciting! Making space for everything in the cars was a hassle but I love traveling, especially going back home to Philly for me was very special. After we arrived at Taylor Tabernacle from an almost two hour drive, we were greeted so welcomingly by church members and Pastor Ford. They were so diligent in helping us set things up and made sure we had everything we needed while they also prepared for Sunday service. The Philly love came rushing out of the sanctuary once church let out, and it was great to meet so many members. This market had a huge variety of produce, some of it even directly from the church garden. We had cabbage, carrots, corn, red apples, red potatoes, peppers, jalapeños, tomatoes, herbs, eggplant, and so much more. DJ Neeek Nyce really brought it home and set the block party style up, the old school and gospel mix just made the whole experience. We have a representative from state senator Anthony Williams’ office, Rabbi Strauss came to assist people with voter registration, and state representative Joanna McClinton herself gave a few words. My favorite vendor there was one of the church members selling pound cake which was delicious. Once again Mindful Cooking with Jaree Cottman stole the show and her cabbage salad with apples, chickpeas, peppers, and her own homemade dressing was off the hook! Of course we had to close out the successful market with a classic Philly cheesesteak, so now I can’t wait to come back for another market and another cheesesteak!
by Brahein Richardson, BCFSN Events Intern
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October 8, 2022: Allen AME Church – Baltimore, Maryland
Preparing for Allen AME’s market was a more intimate experience than previous Soil to Sanctuary’s. I got to work directly with the church’s event team and decide exactly how we wanted the market to look! With this being our first October market it was definitely chillier than I expected, but what kept me warm was the wonderful fellowship we had with the church and community. I was so excited to see and meet so many more members who I hadn’t met previously when we visited the church for service. Even one of the church members participated as a vendor selling Ravens gear! It was nice to see a range of ages from children to senior members, and it felt so awesome being able to hand them pounds of produce from our Black farmers. What I would say captivated the crowd the most was the cooking class by Jaree Cottman from Afya Counseling and Wellness Services. She stole the show! Everyone went inside and learned how to follow her kale pesto salad and grits and cabbage recipe. I did not grow up eating many vegetables but the food was out of sight! Everyone was so happy BCFSN came and are ready for our return! I can’t wait for our next market at Allen AME Church of Baltimore.
by Brahein Richardson, BCFSN Events Intern
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September 18, 2022: New Psalmist Baptist Church – Baltimore, Maryland
I woke up tired, but in the end I was definitely happy and fulfilled to be a part of another Soil to Sanctuary at New Psalmist Baptist Church. I had an amazing time just seeing the culture, the food, and the experience. It was an unforgettable day especially since it was a special Homecoming service. I didn’t expect there to be such a variety of carnival rides, and there were so many businesses, all Black owned! There was a funnel cake vendor, a fish fry vendor, and of course some of my favorite BCFSN vendors. I love tea and Muddy Tea’s drinks were so sweet and refreshing. Vegan Juiceology’s food completely shocked me. I don’t have the greatest memories of vegan food, but the vegan chicken tenders I got were amazing and tasted exactly like real chicken, I almost couldn’t believe it. We sang some classic old school Yolanda Adams and danced to the cha cha slide and Beyoncé. Mindful cooking with Jaree of the Afya Counseling & Wellness Services, really showed me how important the relationship we have with our food affects our wellbeing. And at the same time she made some savory peach salsa with the produce straight from the market! Our Black farmers came from two southern states, Larry Holmes of Taters-N-Greens from Virginia and from North Carolina, Reverend Joyner of Conetoe Family Life Center and Kelton Moore of Moore’s Produce & Family Farm. The peach plums I got were the sweetest I’ve ever had, and it sounds funny but I had never seen a yellow watermelon before. I am excited to see Black churches in conversation with Black farmers, and I am overjoyed and looking forward to seeing where Soil to Sanctuary is going with churches hosting their own markets in the future.
by Brahein Richardson, BCFSN Events Intern
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August 20, 2022: New Psalmist Baptist Church – Baltimore, Maryland
WATCH THE RECAP HIGHLIGHT VIDEO HERE
On New Psalmist’s beautiful campus space, we were setting ourselves up for what to me was an unforgettable day. In the shining sun, we had such a variety of vendors participating: savory barbecue, baked goods from cornbread to cupcakes, specialty teas, shaved ice, clothing, jewelry, and skin care and beauty products, all by Black owned businesses! Our Black farmers had such an assortment of produce too: seeded watermelons, cantaloupe, apples, sweet corn, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions, garlic, okra, squash, cucumbers, greens, herbs like basil and fennel, and the list goes on! We could have had a whole feast just off of that! It was a time for community, I enjoyed being able to hand out brochures and talk to people about BCFSN’s mission and our current direction. I saw people laugh, smile, and greet and hug an unexpected familiar face they hadn’t seen in a long time and that was such a highlight for me. We sang songs from Yolanda Adams to Kirk Franklin and danced to songs from the Wobble to Jerusalema. I learned how to make peach salsa from a cooking demo and I even learned tips for growing onions and beans indoors. I had some wonderful refreshing strawberry tea, shoutout to Sweet tea & Cornbread, and fell in love with some wonderful handmade jewelry made by youth with Beadly Speaking. I arrived tired, but left feeling fulfilled and energized.
by Brahein Richardson, BCFSN Events Intern
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Travel with us this Fall & Winter. Upcoming Market dates below:
