The New Urban Farmers is a non-profit organization that has set out to preserve and restore our environment by creating sustainable agricultural systems in the city. We work to increase healthy food access and nurture minds in the cities of Pawtucket, Central Falls and surrounding areas by eliminating barriers to healthy food and empowering low-income individuals, families, and at-risk-youth with education and collaboration. We believe a community that grows together, grows together. Bleu Grijalva is the Executive Director, Emily Jodka is the Assistant Director, and Liz Talbot is the Program Director. The New Urban Farmers are the proud recipients of Pawtucket's 2010 John J. Cohn Award; an award for community service and social justice. The New Urban Farmers were visited and given citations by both our state senators, Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, for the work we do in the community. The New Urban Farmers are proud to be part of the urban farming community here in Rhode Island.
Bleu Grijalva - is a founder of The Farm Guide, which has since evolved to become The New Urban Farmers – Bleu, a California native - and descendant of Mexican migrant farm workers – Mostly grape farmers who would follow the harvest from South to North - After school Bleu left California in the early 90’s – traveled to Greece to learn about olives – and eventually to France – to work the vineyards – Eventually Bleu became involved in the food and beverage industry which led to the organic farming movement in Rhode Island – Involved with all aspects of the farm – including planting, harvesting, marketing, and cheese monger - It was then that Bleu realised a need for healthy and safe food which could be accessible to everyone. It through the birth of The New Urban Farmers that Bleu hopes to accomplish his goal – by reaching out – one community at a time – breaking stigmas attached to many minority groups – with a natural zest for life and food we foresee many communities welcoming us with open arms.
Emily Jodka - is one of the two people who founded the New Urban Farmers. She received her undergraduate degree of Graphic Design and New Media from Johnson & Wales University. Currently Emily mixes her technology skill with her passion for growing food, flowers and all plants. As a member of the New Urban Farmers she hopes to help create urban food system that will help eradicate food deserts in Rhode Island. She hopes through her efforts that social barriers will be broken and healthy safe food will be plentiful for all.
Liz Talbot - Liz received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Fine Arts Degree in Painting from the University of Connecticut. Her main aspiration, partnering art and the community, led Liz to the New Urban Farmers. As Creative Director, Liz develops food preparation possibilities, creative marketing strategies, and works with youth in Pawtucket and Central Falls. These youth grow gardens and their creativity through the use of recycled materials, painting, music, and nature. She is on the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts roster and is an organizer for the Providence community art event, Fun-A-Day. Liz believes agriculture and art tie community together and make for a shared space of creativity, delicious food, and intrigued minds. Check out some of our youth art projects here. Liz's art work can be found at www.liztalbot.com liz@newurbanfarmers.org
Rafael Ramon - has been a New Urban Farmer since spring of 2010 - He is a Puerto Rican native who relocated to the Continental United States and has lived all up and down the east coast. Rafael has grown his own food for many years and is now bringing his experiences to our urban farms - from planting to building Rafael does it all. Rafael is the Farm Leader at the Garden of Life at Galego Court.
Our Volunteers - Without our volunteers the New Urban Farmers would not be able to do everything that we do. All the helping hands have built garden beds, pulled weeds, and a planted peach tree in our urban community. Together we all can make our cities a greener more sustainable place to be. We've had so many good volunteers give their time, they come from all over the city and the globe! Please check out our Volunteer Page here you can learn more about volunteering with the New Urban Farmers!
The New Urban Farmers are proud to say we have been awarded this year's
