Ena Jones, a mother, community developer, and founder of Roots & Vine Produce and Café, a micro grocery chain combating food apartheid in underserved communities, is rallying support with her son to purchase a 20-acre farm just 35 minutes south of Chicago.
Through her nonprofit, Green Table Talks, Ena is raising funds to transform the site into a youth-focused agricultural training and retreat farm, aimed at creating career pathways in farming, food production, and land stewardship for youth and families in historically excluded neighborhoods.
“This is more than a farm,” she says. “It’s a living classroom, a safe space, and a launchpad for the next generation of food leaders from our own communities.”
1. Purchase the BotaniButter Bundle Pack – a luxurious, all-natural whipped body butter handcrafted to raise funds for the farm.
2. Donate directly at GiveSendGo
Jones, who also owns multiple properties in Chicago aimed at community revitalization, has faced repeated delays and inconsistent communication from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) during the loan process, raising concerns about systemic barriers faced by Black and women farmers. “We’ve met every requirement, but time is running out. We must raise the funds ourselves to keep this opportunity alive,” she explains.
The goal is to raise $650,000 by August 18th to cover acquisition and start-up operations costs.
To learn more or support the cause, visit GreenTableTalk.org
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