Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm

Land is power. Land is history. Land is the future.In this powerful episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham takes us on a deep dive into the history, resilience, and cultural legacy of Frogtown Farm. From its origins as an underutilized piece of land to its transformation into Saint Paul’s largest urban farm, this episode honors the leaders, artists, and activists who built this space and the generations of Black, Indigenous, and POC farmers who have shaped food justice movements.🎶 Featuring a powerful soundtrack of liberation, movement, and renewal, including music from:Toshi Reagon, Marvin Gaye, William DeVaughn, Goodie Mob, Jill Scott, and more.🔥 Inside this episode:🌍 The fight for Frogtown Farm—how community members reclaimed land & built a farm for the people🎨 Art, culture & activism—the BIPOC artists and environmental stewards who helped shape the farm’s mission🌾 Honoring Black, Indigenous & POC land stewards—the historical fight for food sovereignty & sustainable agriculture💪 Preparing for the growing season—mental, physical & community readiness to plant, grow & nourish🚨 Upcoming Events at Frogtown Farm!🗓 April 19 – Spring Clean-Up 🌱 Let’s get the farm ready for the season!🗓 April 26 – Season Kickoff 🌞 A celebration of new beginnings & community growth.🗓 June 21 – Juneteenth Celebration ✊🏾 Honoring Black food traditions & freedom.🗓 October – Harvest Feast 🍁 A farm-to-table gathering to close out the season.📢 Stay Connected & Get Involved:Volunteer, learn, and build with us at Frogtown Farm! Sign up at frogtownfarm.org and follow us on Instagram & Facebook @FrogtownFarm.🎧 Press play and step into the season of renewal—because the land is calling, and we are ready to grow.

Food is more than just a meal—it’s a movement. In this special episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with her sister in the fight for food justice, Princess Titus—co-founder of Appetite for Change, founder of Standard Edition Women, and a leader in community healing and empowerment.🔥 Inside this episode:🌱 The journey behind Appetite for Change and its impact on North Minneapolis🍽️ Breaking Bread Café—how food and culture came together to nourish the community💔 Healing for the Healers—the power of trauma doulas in supporting grief and loss🍎 The Art & Practice of Good Eating—food as medicine, empowerment, and self-care🚀 What’s next for Princess Titus, Appetite for Change, & Standard Edition Women🚨 Frogtown Farm Updates!📢 Our Annual Report drops this month! Get an inside look at our work & future goals.🌱 New Board Members! We’re welcoming fresh leadership to guide us forward.💰 Support Frogtown Farm! Donate at frogtownfarm.org/donate to help sustain our mission.📢 Stay Connected:Follow us @FrogtownFarm on Instagram & Facebook or sign up for updates at frogtownfarm.org.🎧 Hit play and join this powerful conversation on food, healing, and justice!

In this special episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, the tables are turned as Michelle Miller steps in as co-host to interview our usual host, Chef Lachelle Cunningham, Executive Director of Frogtown Farm. Lachelle shares her deep roots in the Rondo/Frogtown neighborhood, her passion for food justice, and her vision for growing a thriving, community-centered farm in the heart of Saint Paul.🔥 Inside this episode:🏡 Lachelle’s personal connection to Rondo & Frogtown—how her upbringing shaped her mission🌿 Leading Frogtown Farm—why she took on the Executive Director role & what she’s learned💡 Big wins & challenges—expanding programs, strengthening partnerships & navigating sustainability🌎 What’s next for the farm—securing land, funding stability & deepening community impact🤝 How YOU can get involved—volunteer, attend workshops & be part of the movement🚨 Frogtown Farm Updates!📢 Our 2024 Annual Report drops in February! Get the inside scoop on our impact & future goals.🌱 Volunteer Program Revamp! Help us shape new engagement opportunities for 2025.💰 Support Frogtown Farm! Donate at frogtownfarm.org/donate & help us sustain our mission.📢 Stay Connected:Follow us @FrogtownFarm on Instagram & Facebook or sign up for updates at frogtownfarm.org.🎧 Hit play and get inspired by the journey, challenges, and triumphs of Frogtown Farm’s fearless leader!

Young voices, powerful stories, and a space designed for healing—this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm highlights the transformative work of the Black Youth Healing Arts Center (BYHAC) in Frogtown. Host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with young leaders from BYHAC to discuss how art, self-care, and community-building are helping Black youth heal from historical trauma and find empowerment.🔥 Inside this episode:🖌️ How BYHAC provides a safe space for healing & expression🎭 The impact of arts & holistic health programming on mental wellness💆🏾 Self-Care Sundays—what they are and why they matter✊ Stepping into leadership—young people leading the way for change📢 How YOU can support and get involved with BYHAC🚨 Frogtown Farm Updates!🥘 Flavors of Frogtown is back next year! Stay tuned for more delicious food, cultural storytelling, and community-building.📖 The Flavors of Frogtown Community Cookbook is still accepting recipes! Email info@frogtownfarm.org to contribute.🌱 Volunteer with us! We’re preparing for winter—stop by Tues–Fri, 10 AM–2 PM.💰 Give to the Max is coming! Share your Frogtown Farm stories & help us fund our mission—email admin@frogtownfarm.org.📢 Stay Connected:Follow us @FrogtownFarm on Instagram & Facebook or sign up for updates at frogtownfarm.org.🎧 Press play and get inspired by the next generation of community leaders!

Big changes are happening at Frogtown Farm! In this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with Eva Garrett, the farm’s newly appointed Operations Manager and former Board Chair. Eva brings a deep passion for food, agriculture, and holistic healing, and she’s ready to lead Frogtown Farm into its next phase of growth and impact.🔥 Inside this episode:🌱 Eva’s transition from Board Chair to Operations Manager—what inspired the move and what’s ahead🍃 Her work as a Naturopathic Doctor & Master Herbalist—how she integrates healing with community wellness🏥 Natural Me Apothecary—her soon-to-open herbal wellness space in North Minneapolis💡 The intersection of food, health, and community—why growing food is just one piece of the puzzle❄️ How to stay healthy naturally as we head into the colder months🚨 Frogtown Farm Updates!🍽️ Flavors of Frogtown wrapped up an incredible season! Huge thanks to Springboard for the Arts & the Metropolitan Regional Arts Center for helping us celebrate food, culture, and creativity.📖 The Community Cookbook is in the works! Want to add your favorite recipe? Email info@frogtownfarm.org.🌱 Volunteer with us! We need help with the final harvest & preparing the farm for winter. Drop in Tues–Thurs, 10 AM–2 PM.💰 Support Frogtown Farm! We’re closing out the season and need your help to stay strong—donate at frogtownfarm.org/donate.📢 Stay Connected:Follow us @FrogtownFarm on Instagram & Facebook or sign up for updates at frogtownfarm.org.🎧 Press play and dive into the future of Frogtown Farm with Eva Garrett!

Food is more than just a meal—it’s a story, a tradition, and a way to build a better future. In this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham welcomes Astrid Berger, the Cook Fresh Program Coordinator at Urban Roots, to talk about how food justice, sustainability, and youth development come together on the East Side of Saint Paul.🔥 Inside this episode:🌱 How Cook Fresh empowers youth through food and cooking🌎 Cultural food traditions—why honoring heritage strengthens communities♻️ Sustainability in action—how Urban Roots connects food, environment, and justice📖 The Food Stories anthology project—preserving recipes & community narratives👊 Ways YOU can support Urban Roots’ mission and get involved🚨 Frogtown Farm Updates!🥒 The Flavors of Frogtown season finale is here! Join us September 14th for the Harvest Party, where we’ll explore The Art of Preservation—a hands-on pickling and canning experience with local artists.📅 Volunteer with us! Open hours: Tues–Thurs, 10 AM–2 PM—just show up!💰 Support our “Save the Farm” campaign—donate at frogtownfarm.org/donate to keep urban farming thriving.📢 Stay Connected:Follow us @FrogtownFarm on Instagram & Facebook or sign up for updates at frogtownfarm.org.🎧 Press play and be part of the movement for food justice & community empowerment!

Food is more than just nourishment—it’s a powerful tool for justice, sustainability, and community building. In this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with Deacon Kari Olsen, the force behind Shobi’s Table—a pay-as-you-can food truck that’s redefining radical hospitality and food justice in the Twin Cities.🔥 Inside this episode:🌍 How Kari’s journey led to the creation of Shobi’s Table🚚 How a pay-as-you-can food truck model is making fresh, nutritious food accessible to all♻️ Sustainability in action—food rescue partnerships & environmental stewardship💡 The power of radical hospitality and why community-driven meals matter🎟️ How to support Shobi’s Table’s work & their upcoming “From Scratch” fundraiser (Sept 26th)🚨 Frogtown Farm Updates!🥘 Flavors of Frogtown continues August 24th! Get involved & submit recipes for our Community Cookbook at info@frogtownfarm.org.🌱 Volunteer at Frogtown Farm—Tues–Thurs, 10 AM–2 PM. Just show up & help us grow!🌍 Frogtown Climate Carnival—August 17th @ The Lily Pad. Learn about sustainability while enjoying fun for the whole family!💰 Support our "Save the Farm" campaign—Donate at frogtownfarm.org/donate and help sustain our mission.📢 Stay Connected:Follow us @FrogtownFarm on Instagram & Facebook or sign up for updates at frogtownfarm.org.🎧 Hit play & let’s build a stronger, more just food system—together!

Real change starts with the people. In this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with Caty Royce and Tia Williams, two powerhouse community organizers from the Frogtown Neighborhood Association (FNA). We’re talking about grassroots activism, the biggest challenges in Frogtown, and the work being done to uplift and empower the community.🔥 Inside this episode:🌍 How FNA got started and the vision that built it into a force for change💡 The biggest needs in Frogtown right now and how the community is responding🗣️ Upcoming forums and initiatives that YOU can get involved in🤝 How Frogtown Farm & FNA align and what’s next for collaboration👊 How YOU can take action and support the movement🚨 Frogtown Farm Updates!🥘 Flavors of Frogtown is in full swing—next up: August 24th! Our Harvest Festival is coming September 14th, and we’re calling on the community to submit recipes for our Community Cookbook. Email us at info@frogtownfarm.orgto share your favorite dish!💪 Volunteer & Support the Farm📅 Volunteer hours: Tues–Thurs, 10 AM–2 PM—just show up & we’ll put you to work!💰 Support our "Save the Farm" campaign—donate today at frogtownfarm.org/donate📢 Stay Connected:Follow us @FrogtownFarm on IG & FB or sign up at frogtownfarm.org for updates.🎧 Hit play & get inspired to take action for Frogtown!

Music, culture, and community activism go hand in hand—and few embody that truth better than William “Truth Maze” Harris. In this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with the legendary drummer, poet, beatboxer, and activist to explore how art, storytelling, and social justice intersect.🔥 In this episode:🎶 Truth Maze’s journey—from I.R.M. Crew to over 2,000 performances and counting🌍 The power of music in community activism—how beats and poetry drive change✊ Juneteenth & Frogtown Farm—what this celebration means for music, justice & sustainability🌱 Truth Maze’s connection to the land—how farming and soil are woven into culture and history🎤 A special performance—Truth Maze shares an exclusive piece for our listeners🚨 Frogtown Farm Needs You!We’re planning community events all summer long, including Juneteenth on June 15th. Plus, we’re looking for volunteers to help make it happen! Want in? Email info@frogtownfarm.org or DM us @FrogtownFarm.🌱 Support the "Save the Farm" Campaign!Frogtown Farm is at a critical crossroads. Donate today at frogtownfarm.org/donate and help us continue serving the community through urban agriculture and cultural events.🎧 Tap in & let’s grow together!

How do we make fresh, healthy food accessible for everyone—not just a privilege for some? In this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with Delinia Parris, a powerhouse in food justice advocacy, to break down the real challenges families face in accessing nutritious food and the grassroots solutions that are making a difference in Frogtown.🥕 What’s in this episode?🔥 Delinia’s journey into food justice & her work in the Frogtown community💡 The most effective ways to build & sustain local food systems🍽️ How families can eat healthy on a budget without breaking the bank🌿 Seasonal eating tips to make the most of fresh, local produce✊ How YOU can take simple steps to be part of the local food movement🚨 Big News for Frogtown Farm!📢 The City of Saint Paul has officially moved forward with lease negotiations for Frogtown Park and Farm—marking a crucial step in securing the farm’s future!📆 Community Listening Sessions return next month—stay tuned for ways to get involved and help shape the farm’s future.🌱 Join the Movement:💪 Volunteer at Frogtown Farm—help us grow, harvest, and distribute fresh food.💰 Donate to our “Save the Farm” campaign—we’re fighting to keep Frogtown Farm thriving for the community.💻 Get plugged in: DM us on Instagram @FrogtownFarm, visit frogtownfarm.org, or email info@frogtownfarm.org🎧 Press play and be part of the fight for food justice!

Farming in the city isn’t just about growing food—it’s about growing community, resilience, and action. In this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with Randel Hanson, Frogtown Farm’s trusted Farm Consultant, to talk about the urgent challenges facing the farm, the growing season ahead, and how YOU can help sustain this vital space.🌿 What’s in this episode?🚜 Randy’s journey in urban farming & how he’s shaping Frogtown Farm🌞 What’s growing early in the season & how to get involved🌾 Open plots & opportunities for the community to farm🤝 Ways to support Frogtown Farm during this critical time🔥 Frogtown Farm is in “Save the Farm” mode.You may have seen the Pioneer Press article about the farm’s financial and land access struggles. Right now, we’re calling on the community to step up—because without your support, Frogtown Farm’s future is uncertain.💡 How to Take Action:➡️ Join our Virtual Community Listening Session (April 18, 5-7 PM) to hear about the farm’s financial realities and share your voice.➡️ Volunteer to help us grow, harvest, and distribute fresh food.➡️ Donate to keep Frogtown Farm alive at frogtownfarm.org/donate.📢 Get involved! Email info@frogtownfarm.org, visit frogtownfarm.org, or DM us on Instagram @FrogtownFarm.🎧 Press play, take action, and let’s grow together.

Frogtown isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a movement. In this episode of Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, host Lachelle Cunningham sits down with Chris Stevens and Xiem Vuong from Frogtown Green, an organization turning urban green spaces into thriving, community-powered hubs.Chris takes us back to the roots of Frogtown Green and how it played a key role in shaping Frogtown Farm, while Xiem breaks down what’s next—including big cleanup efforts, fresh collabs, and how YOU can get involved.🌱 What’s in the dirt?💡 The origin story of Frogtown Green & its impact on Frogtown Farm🗑️ Trash pickup day on April 20—why it matters & how to help🤝 New collabs with local orgs like the Boys & Girls Club & Ady👊 Why community power is the secret to real change🔥 Plus, What’s Happening at Frogtown Farm?We’re doubling down on growing food, building community, and keeping Frogtown fed—but we can’t do it alone. Find out how you can volunteer, donate, or pull up to our next Community Engagement Listening Session (March 28, 5-7 PM) to make your voice heard.💻 Get plugged in: DM us on Instagram @FrogtownFarm, visit frogtownfarm.org, or email info@frogtownfarm.org🎧 Hit play and tap into the movement. Frogtown is growing, and you’re invited.

Welcome to Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, where we dig deep into the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping Frogtown. In this episode, Lachelle Cunningham sits down with Shaunie Grigsby, owner of Flava Café and Vice Chair of the Frogtown Farm Board, to talk about building community, fostering collaboration, and strengthening connections between local businesses and the farm.Shaunie shares her journey as a business owner, how Flava Café has become a space for gathering and empowerment, and her vision for working alongside Frogtown Farm to deepen our impact.We also dive into:🌱 What’s happening at Frogtown Farm – From the upcoming Community Engagement Listening Session (March 28) to the new Frogtown Farm Advisory Committee, we’re creating space for voices to be heard.🌱 Big moves for the farm’s future – With the City of Saint Paul’s RFP (Request for Proposal) process underway, we’re working to secure the next phase of Frogtown Farm’s leadership.🌱 How YOU can get involved – Whether through volunteering, donating, or joining the conversation, we’re building a stronger Frogtown together.This is just the beginning! So stay tuned.📩 Want to stay in the loop? Follow us on social or sign up for updates at frogtownfarm.org.🎧 Hit play and let’s grow together!