OUR GOAL

Somali Bantu farmers in Springfield bring over $40,000 of fresh, cultural vegetables to low-income neighborhoods and SNAP customers each year. The farmers are requesting support to improve their irrigation and tools to make their farms more efficient and productive to help sustain their farms. If the farmers are able to raise enough funds, they would also like to purchase a 16 passenger van to transport community members to farm sites, especially for farmers who don’t have reliable transportation.

SOMALI BANTU REFUGEE STORY

Somali Bantu people are part of an ethnic group from the Southwestern part of Somalia, many of whom are descendants of the Bantu ethnic groups primarily from the Niger-Congo region of Africa. Many Somali Bantus were resilient in the face of centuries of oppression in Somalia as enslaved agricultural workers. During 1991, when the civil war started in Somalia, many Somali Bantu people had to flee from their homes and farms and were faced with intense discrimination even while in refugee camps in Kenya.

The UNHCR identified the Somali Bantu people as a resettlement priority and now over 12,000 Somali Bantu refugees live in the United States. Over 70 Somali Bantu families live in the Greater Springfield area.

Food insecurity is high among refugee and immigrant communities. Farmers from within the community are able to meet these needs with fresh, culturally appropriate foods. Their language skills make their markets accessible and welcoming to families not typically served by farmers markets. We are requesting support for these lifelong farmers to continue to provide for their families and the broader community, and increase their productivity with more consistent irrigation. 

ALL FARMER’S STORY

Food is culture, community, and health.

Through partnerships with land trusts, municipalities, and community partners, All Farmers helps immigrant and refugee farmers find land. All Farmer’s currently supports three farmer communities, including the New Families Community Farm Cooperative (NFCFC), a group of Somali Bantu refugees who came to the US over ten years ago. 

Food is culture

Farmers are able to farm cultural vegetables that are hard to find in the US, like African corn. The Somali Bantu community uses it to create a classic cultural dish known as ambula. They also grow beans, which is a staple in many Somali Bantu dishes.

Food is community

Somali Bantu farmers consider the farm their home base; it is where they all come together and learn from one another and build social connections. Through the produce many of these farmers are able to grow, the Somali Bantu farmers take part in two weekly local farmers’ markets each season. The farmers are deeply engaged in the local community as suppliers of fresh and healthy cultural produce, and reaching out to eligible families about the  Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). HIP subsidizes low-income MA shoppers who want to  buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from eligible vendors including our Somali Bantu farmers!

Food is health

Photo of African corn grown on the farm!

With your support, the Somali Bantu farmers will be able to continue to provide access to safe, nutritious foods for their families and the broader community. Improved irrigation and tool access will  boost farm productivity, help farmers earn viable incomes, maintain connection to their cultural roots, and stay active in their work and communities. Farming has many health benefits, including relieving blood pressure which helps combat a number of health issues prevalent in the Somali Bantu community upon resettlement.