Tarleton State University and community partner Opal’s Farm are teaming up to offer urban farming classes as part of an initiative to address food insecurity and health disparities by making nutritious foods more accessible.
Taste the C.U.R.E. (Community Urban Farming Resource Education) is a free six-month program that equips participants with the knowledge and skills to cultivate a sustainable food system through organic and regenerative farming. Led by Tarleton State and Opal’s Farm, the initiative emphasizes empowering individuals to grow their own food and improve their health through agriculture. The first cohort will have openings for 25 dedicated participants, with plans for broader community engagement and long-term impact.
“This program offers a unique opportunity for community members to learn valuable skills in organic and regenerative farming,” said Dr. Dana Fitzpatrick, Director for Civic and Community Connections for the Division of Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives. “We’re excited to empower individuals to become more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious.”
The program starts Jan. 25, 2025, with an introductory class and continues bimonthly on Saturdays. Classes will be held at Tarleton @ TCC Trinity River, fifth floor of the West Fork Tower (TRWF). Plots will be reserved at Opal’s Farm for the hands-on practice component.
Opal's Farm Tackling Tarrant County Food Deserts
FORT WORTH, TX - Opal’s Farm, named after legendary community activist Opal Lee, 92, who had a dream of an urban farm providing farm-fresh, nutritious food for residents of the city, has officially started working the five-acre urban farm east of downtown to address local food deserts and revitalize the health of local neighborhoods. Her desire to help those less fortunate find self-worth and purpose in an honest day’s labor for an honest wage is surpassed only by her desire for people to have access to healthy produce and nutritious food.
“Everyone deserves to be fed and to eat healthy food. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case in many of our neighborhoods. A lot of people don’t know what it is to have fresh vegetables. The only choice they have is the convenience or dollar store down the street, and that’s usually a small selection of highly processed junk food void of nutrients”, according to Greg Joel, Farm Manager for Opal’s Farm. “We will provide healthy options and the education to use them”.
Unity Unlimited, Inc. has been granted use of these acres in Fort Worth by the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) for the express purpose of creating an urban farm. Located just east of downtown, the farm sits on rich, fertile bottom land near the Trinity River. Only 100% organic methods will be utilized with special care given to the soil conservation and the environment.
The farm will create jobs, provide job training, and bring a spirit of entrepreneurship and self-reliance to the local community. The five available acres of urban land will connect food production, processing and distribution in the same space. This is basically from farm to plate; which is a win-win for everyone.
You can be a part of bettering Fort Worth by making a donation for the work on the farm and by volunteering
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!
We are in need of volunteers to help harvest our first crops for market and prepare for the fall planting. Please signup below and let us know when you can help.
Farm Location Address - 2500 LaSalle St. Fort Worth, TX 76111
817-333-8367
