Nonprofit Sweetwater Farm Gets Boost From Hillsborough County

TOWN 'N COUNTRY, FL — A $100,000 allocation from the Hillsborough County Commission will help a nonprofit community farm grow.

The county's contribution to Sweetwater Organic Community Farm will be used to promote ecological agriculture, healthy eating and sustainability.

Since 1995 the urban farm on Sweetwater Creek, 6942 W. Comanche Ave., has educated residents, including busloads of students, about the benefits of growing and consuming their own wholesome foods. Tended solely by volunteers and funded with donations, the farm produces organic vegetables and herbs, meaning they are grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or irradiation.

The community farm's central mission is education. It hosts classes, workshops and events. Members donate money and labor in exchange for fresh organic produce. There's a Sunday farmers market from November to May, a music series, farm tours and field trips for children and adults.

The farm also provides a venue at which eco-friendly local entrepreneurs can sell organic produce, handmade arts and crafts, and other items.

The county's contribution helps ensure the 6-acre farm will keep serving Hillsborough County residents.

"This approval by the (Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners) is a testament to its commitment to Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, local farmers, the community and the future of regenerative agriculture," said Chris Kenrick, who with his wife, Joni, took over stewardship of the farm about two years ago.

"We need more local farms and more local farmers," Kenrick said. "We need places for them to learn, grow and access land."

Volunteers grow a variety of vegetables and herbs at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm.

About 7,000 children - mostly Hillsborough County students - visit the farm in a typical year, though fewer went there during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in urban community farms and gardens that allow residents to grow their own produce.

The $100,000 will pay for upgrades to ensure the farm and its adjoining store and cafe are in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. It will also buy solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, cisterns, a gate and updated signs.

Funds have been set aside to build a pergola, a playground and purchase commercial kitchen equipment for a new store and café that will help generate revenue for the nonprofit.