By Lynnae Marty Hentzen
Lately, we have been discussing food and farms and their relation to and impact on our environment and communities at large.
Our guest this week is Monika Owczarski, founder of Sweet Tooth Farm here in Des Moines. Monika calls herself an “accidental farmer” who has been gardening for over 20 years and is now an urban farmer along with her husband and kids.
With a belief that fresh, nutrient-dense, and chemical-free food should be a right for everyone in our communities — not a privilege or luxury item — Sweet Tooth Farm was started on an empty pocket park lot in 2016. The farm sells fresh, seasonal produce via non-recurring weekly boxes, and contributes to and helps distribute donated food via various community-based resources.
Monika set up the first Community Fridge in the state which is a free resource to anyone, open 24/7, with no barriers to access. There are now 20 community fridges across central Iowa, including several in more rural communities.
Sweet Tooth Farm provides a great resource that is addressing the reality of food deserts and residents who are hungry within our community.
Key Takeaways from the interview:
If you give a kid a garden hose, you have made a connection.
Urban farming is a challenge because they do not cash flow the same as developed real estate.
Soil work is not fast. It takes years of work to get a typical city lot to the point that it can produce healthy food.
In every journey, the path that is most fulfilling and successful is one led by love.
Make small changes in your life that become part of your daily rhythm.
“Make choices that enrich not only yourself
But others around you.”
~ Monika Owczarski
Thank you for listening to today’s discussion.
Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other.