Puerto Rico's Food Sovereignty Fund

Since February, our team has been diligently engaged in creating and fostering ongoing collaborations and undertaking intensive work to drive forward our mission of community-driven food sovereignty and innovation. 

In Ponce, we’ve been co-developing a strategic plan for the community garden space with Callejón Trujillo, outlining a design vision and adapting the layout to meet the needs of the community. We began building a 70-75 foot nursery garden equipped with a rainwater collection and distribution system. During this period we also expect to organize a brigade to prune trees and prepare the garden space for cultivation.

In Naguabo, we’ve been working with Jardín Comunitario Pedro Flores. We organized two teams to clean, paint, and gather debris and we also worked on developing the community's graphic identity, including logos and other materials. Half the planting beds have been already built and the other half is scheduled for July. Additionally, we’ll help install a roof to support a cistern and rainwater collection system.

In Ciales, we conducted site visits and also held collaborative meetings with Acción Valerosa to establish agreements. During this period, we repaired structures such as the nursery garden and also reinforced the rainwater harvesting system. Throughout June and July, we’ll carry out imaginary design workshops where the community will participate in making plans to create these spaces. We’re also happy to announce a new collaboration with Fideicomiso de Tierras Comunitarias para la Agricultura Sostenible (FiTiCAS). We held a meeting with them in June to define and identify project roles and activities, which currently includes mapping the agroecological sector and its support system. 

In these past months, we have been able to distribute funds for the implementation of infrastructure. We provided cash grants to projects in Ponce and Naguabo to aid in the construction of a greenhouse and cultivation process, the establishment of a garden in an abandoned space, as well as repairs and reinforcements. 

As we progress with these initiatives, we look forward to the positive impacts on local food production, community involvement, and urban resilience. These projects reflect our commitment to fostering sustainable practices and creating spaces that drive positive change. Your support is vital in making these efforts possible and sustaining our operations, which empower community development across Puerto Rico. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated and see communities achieve their goals. We’re deeply dedicated to transforming neglected spaces into vibrant areas that enhance community well-being and food security. Thank you for believing in the growth and potential of our island.

Until next time!

Our year has kicked off with a surge of new collaborations aimed at advancing the cause of food sovereignty on the island. Throughout this semester, our focal point will be on the development of the new Jardín Comunitario Pedro Flores in Naguabo (east coast) and the establishment of a new nursery designed to enhance production at Huerto Comunitario Callejón Trujillo in Ponce (south coast). These projects hold immense significance for us as they affirm our hypothesis regarding the transformative potential of abandoned and underused spaces within urban areas.

The prospect of repurposing such spaces for community integration and food generation is particularly exhilarating. These initiatives not only validate our theories but also underscore the multifaceted benefits of these projects. They extend beyond addressing immediate needs to encompass broader ecosystem services, including mitigating the heat island effect, fostering biodiversity, and effectively managing stormwater runoff.

As we embark on these endeavors, we are eager to witness the tangible impact they will have on local food production, community engagement, and the overall resilience of our urban environments. The collaborative spirit behind these projects highlights our shared dedication to creating spaces that serve as catalysts for positive change and sustainable practices.

Anticipating the challenges and successes ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transforming abandoned and underused spaces into thriving hubs that contribute to the well-being and food security of our communities.

Until next time!