Celebrating Five Years of Growing Food and Cultivating Community

By Abby Massey Five years ago, Common Good City Farm (CGCF), then 7th St. Garden, took root and later broke ground on an unused baseball field in LeDroit Park, becoming the pioneers in urban farming in Washington DC. On Thursday, October 11th, we proudly celebrated our fifth year anniversary with the Taste of Common Good. The evening began before sunset with inspiring speeches from two youth from our Youth Internship Program, Devontae Gray and Ellie Ismail. The youth interns spoke about how working on the farm has influenced their food choices and the way they think about their role in the food system. Guest speaker, Trayce McQuirter, writer of vegan cookbook, By Any Greens Necessary, discussed her experience as a community gardener at CGCF and the importance of gardens in strengthening a community. Not only did she inspire guests with her strict vegan eating habits but she exuded passion for food justice and sustainable food systems. As evening fell on the farm, DC chefs waited around the still-green farm, ready to serve their creations. Guest and Green Tomorrows participant, Eveldeen Smith remarked that the event was “beautiful, so warm and friendly, with lots of creative style and very good food.” And the food was good not only because it was made from fall vegetables harvested from the farm, but also because each chef brought his signature flavor to the farm. Chef, Stephan Boillon served a creamy squash soup and spicy kale salad from his food truck, El Floridano. Smoke and Barrel’s Executive Chef,Logan McGear represented his restaurant’s flare for BBQ with a savory shredded pork, pumpkin and squash risotto. And Orlando Amaro of Ulah Grille featured our fresh eggplants with a unique wrap – grilled eggplant slices encircling a rich sweet potato mash. Taylor Gourmet brought a variety of sandwiches that delighted guests. Meanwhile, representatives from nearby Whole Foods Market served spiced apple cider, which kept everyone warm as the evening fell. Throughout the event, as guests toured the farm, Ngyuen and his band Superior Cling provided a background of classy jazz music which made the anniversary even more special. Dr. Michelle Thomas, CEO of G Food, stated that she was “most pleased to see the diversity of supporters and the multi-generational gathering.” We continue to appreciate this support that has helped us grow over the past years and look forward to another five years, celebrating our progress annually with the Taste of Common Good. Check out more photos from the Taste of Common Good.