Food deserts are areas where there is extremely limited access to nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables. These are typically in areas that are home to minorities and make it tough to find affordable and healthy food. 17-24 million people are living in food deserts in the United States.
These food deserts are most commonly found in low-income areas, often with much of the population not owning a car. While theoretically taking several buses and trains just to get healthy foods is possible, it’s not sustainable nor fair. In areas that are outside of major cities, access to public transportation is a lot more limited or may not exist at all, creating an even bigger barrier to the basic human right of health and nourishment.
Ron Finley was living in one of these food deserts in South-Central Los Angeles when he decided to think outside the box, take action, and do something to make impactful change. Eventually, this action led to the creation of the Ron Finley Project. Let’s take a look at what Ron Finley did and how he has been able to change gardening for good.
Guerrilla Gardening
Back in 2010, Ron was living in a neighborhood that had many patches of land that were essentially areas of neglected dirt. Since he and his neighbors didn’t have access to the fundamental fruits and vegetables they needed for a well-rounded diet, he decided to use these patches for some good by planting vegetables. The area was in between the sidewalk and the street and was not being used by anything else. What a great idea!
Was the rest smooth sailing to abundant produce? Not quite; he was quickly reprimanded and fined.
Battle With The City Of Los Angeles
Ron didn’t take this citation and call it a day. He fought back, arguing that the laws were unjust. After pointing out that it was unbelievable to drive 45 minutes for a single fresh vegetable when this unused land was available at their fingertips, he got together with fellow green activists and started a petition.
They argued the question, “Why should the areas with high African American and Latin American populations have to suffer disproportionately?” By not giving up, Ron was eventually able to change the law for the better. Fines for planting and growing vegetable gardens within this strip owned by the city were eradicated.
Many problems we face today, both environmental and otherwise, can be fixed with the tools and resources we have right in front of us.
Ted Talk
Did Ron stop there? Absolutely not. Knowing that education is the key to fixing any major problem, he started educating the masses through mediums like a Ted Talk that has racked up millions of views. Continuing this trend, he started a gardening training facility, and thus the Ron Finley Project was born.
The Ron Finley Project
As the Ron Finley Project puts it, “Gardening is Gangsta.” Their mission to educate people on nutrition and gardening goes hand in hand with learning how to grow fresh food using the Earth’s natural resources. They are achieving this by taking food deserts and transforming them into food sanctuaries.
The land already exists; all it needs is a little bit of love. Ron believes that these gardens serve many purposes at the same time. Not only are they ending the food apartheid in neighborhoods like his, but they are bringing communities together, creating healthier habits, and making the land more beautiful. The impacts of starting these community education platforms and gardens start today and will last for years and generations to come.
The foundation has not gone without its slew of issues. In 2016, the project violated city code and was therefore deemed illegal. After being told they must pay $500,000 to purchase the property where their garden was, they were able to launch a successful fundraising campaign.
No matter what difficulties come his way, Ron is determined to succeed. His innovation and determination should serve as inspiration for everyone tackling the climate crisis.
A profile on Ron Finley and his sustainability efforts.
Food deserts are areas where there is extremely limited access to nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables. These are typically in areas that are home to minorities and make it tough to find affordable and healthy food. 17-24 million people are living in food deserts in the United States.
These food deserts are most commonly found in low-income areas, often with much of the population not owning a car. While theoretically taking several buses and trains just to get healthy foods is possible, it’s not sustainable nor fair. In areas that are outside of major cities, access to public transportation is a lot more limited or may not exist at all, creating an even bigger barrier to the basic human right of health and nourishment.
Ron Finley was living in one of these food deserts in South-Central Los Angeles when he decided to think outside the box, take action, and do something to make impactful change. Eventually, this action led to the creation of the Ron Finley Project. Let’s take a look at what Ron Finley did and how he has been able to change gardening for good.
Guerrilla Gardening
Back in 2010, Ron was living in a neighborhood that had many patches of land that were essentially areas of neglected dirt. Since he and his neighbors didn’t have access to the fundamental fruits and vegetables they needed for a well-rounded diet, he decided to use these patches for some good by planting vegetables. The area was in between the sidewalk and the street and was not being used by anything else. What a great idea!
Was the rest smooth sailing to abundant produce? Not quite; he was quickly reprimanded and fined.
Battle With The City of Los Angeles
Ron didn’t take this citation and call it a day. He fought back, arguing that the laws were unjust. After pointing out that it was unbelievable to drive 45 minutes for a single fresh vegetable when this unused land was available at their fingertips, he got together with fellow green activists and started a petition.
They argued the question, “Why should the areas with high African American and Latin American populations have to suffer disproportionately?” By not giving up, Ron was eventually able to change the law for the better. Fines for planting and growing vegetable gardens within this strip owned by the city were eradicated.
Many problems we face today, both environmental and otherwise, can be fixed with the tools and resources we have right in front of us.
Ted Talk
Did Ron stop there? Absolutely not. Knowing that education is the key to fixing any major problem, he started educating the masses through mediums like a Ted Talk that has racked up millions of views. Continuing this trend, he started a gardening training facility, and thus the Ron Finley Project was born.
The Ron Finley Project
As the Ron Finley Project puts it, “Gardening is Gangsta.” Their mission to educate people on nutrition and gardening goes hand in hand with learning how to grow fresh food using the Earth’s natural resources. They are achieving this by taking food deserts and transforming them into food sanctuaries.
The land already exists; all it needs is a little bit of love. Ron believes that these gardens serve many purposes at the same time. Not only are they ending the food apartheid in neighborhoods like his, but they are bringing communities together, creating healthier habits, and making the land more beautiful. The impacts of starting these community education platforms and gardens start today and will last for years and generations to come.
The foundation has not gone without its slew of issues. In 2016, the project violated city code and was therefore deemed illegal. After being told they must pay $500,000 to purchase the property where their garden was, they were able to launch a successful fundraising campaign.
No matter what difficulties come his way, Ron is determined to succeed. His innovation and determination should serve as inspiration for everyone tackling the climate crisis.
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