The food narrative in Detroit is shaped by resilience and the women who have historically been at its forefront. From community gardens to today's tech-driven innovations in vertical farming, Detroit's women have built an incredible and equitable food movement that continues to grow in strength every season. Their leadership is rooted in care, justice, and deep local attachments, and it's transforming the way Detroit eats, shares, and sustains itself.
As we look towards the future of food justice in Detroit, one thing is clear: representation matters. And at Planted Detroit, we are proud to be a vertical farm promoting a new chapter, one rooted in diversity, sustainable practices, and year-round access to healthy food.
Let's meet the changemakers and discover how vertical farming, equity, and Detroit women are creating a food future for us all.
Detroit’s Legacy of Women Leading Food Movements
For many years, women have been at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of food system, particularly in times of economic uncertainty and local social change.
During the recession a decade ago, when the impacts of job loss and disinvestment were becoming more pronounced, many women were turning vacant lots into community and urban gardens, feeding the neighbors, enhancing community resilience, and reclaiming space.
Grassroots food justice networks (i.e., Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, Keep Growing Detroit, and a multitude of local collectives) have all emerged through the work of women who did not view growing food as mere survival, but also as an act of liberation.
This legacy continues to grow, emboldened by a new wave of innovation. Urban farming in Detroit now thrives in backyards and lots, as well as on walls, with LED lights, and data-driven techniques. The emergence of the vertical farm has opened the doors to new local, sustainable food, and again, Detroit women are leading the change.
Why Representation in Farming Matters
Throughout history, agriculture has systematically excluded women, denying them land ownership, access to funding, and decision-making ability. Even now, women (especially women of color) face significant hurdles to enter and advance on a career path in farming. That's precisely why inclusive food systems matter.
When women are included in food production, the harvest assures equity. Communities benefit across the board, including more ideas, more inclusive leadership, and investments that prioritize people over profits. The cultivation of food is different when women farm, as they often farm with greater collaboration, more care for people, and with a resolute commitment to the health of the community.
At Planted Detroit, representation isn't just a goal; it is our foundation. As a vertical farm based in Detroit, we created a team that represents the diversity in this city. We invest in women-led roles across operations, including cultivation, design, creative direction, and supplier procurements, and provide pathways for women to enter into high-technology food systems and farming.
Our commitment towards food security does not forego representation.
Spotlight on Detroit Women Making a Difference
Food justice efforts are alive and well in Detroit, marching forward with courage, poise, and lots of green.
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Community Garden Champions
Meet Rukiya “ru” Colvin, a Detroit-born writer and organizer spearheading the Alma Street Garden on Detroit’s East Side, a new neighborhood hub growing food, hosting events, and restoring community pride on land where her family once lived.
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Farm-to-Table Advocates
There’s also Chef Nia, a culinary activist who connects local farm producers with school lunches and corner stores through her “BIPOC” program. She teaches the youth to cook healthy meals from ingredients grown in Detroit's soil or grown on a vertical farm.
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Planted Detroit’s Own Squad
Right here on our own farm, women have redefined what modern agriculture means. Our team of women, like Uma and Dana, holds the farm together each day. It brings a commitment to healthy living and a positive attitude to every shift as they analyze orders of fresh microgreens for customers across the city.
These women, and many others, are keeping the heartbeat of Detroit's food future beating, creating safe and healthy, community-driven access to urban agriculture. These women leaders are moving beyond farming.
The Role of Vertical Farms in Food Justice
What if you could cultivate healthy food anywhere? 365 days a year, with no chemicals and no long supply chains. This is the vision of a vertical farm.
Vertical farms are the answer to some of the problems of food deserts; growing crops indoors in stacked layers in a controlled environment provides food access in places where fresh food is limited or nonexistent. Urban agriculture is inherently resilient; vertical farms use little land and consume nearly 90% less water than traditional farms.
Planted Detroit operates the largest vertical farm in Michigan with a mission to feed our neighbors and create equity in the process. That means hiring locally, paying fair wages, and opening doors for women and youth to have real opportunities in STEM-driven agricultural careers.
We believe that innovation without inclusive equity is not progress. Through educational outreach, internships, and community events, we are focused on supporting the next generation of growers, particularly women who have been underrepresented in farming roles.
Check out our Vertical Farming page to learn more about our growing process.
How You Can Support Detroit’s Food Justice Movement
All actions matter. Here's how you can support the movement with us:
- Buy Local: Choose farm-fresh produce bundles from places like Planted Detroit. We grow our microgreens and salad kits within city limits, with intention and care.
- Support Women-Led Initiatives: Support, donate, or volunteer with women-led organizations in Detroit, helping to drive change at the community level.
- Share the Harvest: Get involved with food equity programs or share produce bundles as donations to community fridges or mutual aid organizations.
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Buy Online, Stay Local: Whether ordering on Market Wagon Detroit or any other site, you can stay home and buy Detroit-grown food.
Ensure that every bite is a step towards justice.
Join Us in Growing a Fair Food Future
At Planted Detroit, we believe that farming is for everyone. And when Detroit women lead the way, the whole city thrives.
Follow us for updates on women-led projects, community events, and new harvests. Try our microgreens, share our salad bundles, and be part of a movement that’s rooted in care and grown with love.
Let’s grow something good together.