KHOU CultureMap Moment
Urban farm in the middle of Montrose thrills foodies while giving refugees the opportunity to grow
An urban farm on the edge of the University of St. Thomas is providing Houston shoppers with fresh produce and refugees a chance at a better life.
In this week's KHOU CultureMap Moment, Channel 11 morning news anchor Lily Jang and CultureMap food writer Eric Sandler visit the thriving urban garden tended by Roy Nlemba, a refugee from the Congo. The non-profit organization Plant It Forward provides the training and tools for Nlemba and others to grow organic, pesticide-free vegetables and sell them at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market on Eastside on Saturday mornings and to local restaurants.
"This job I pay my rent, I support all my kids," Nlemba said. "I want to continue this job until my kids grow old."
The organization also operates vegetable stands at three locations:
University of St. Thomas, 1318 Sul Ross St., Wednesdays 2:30 - 6:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Braeswood Church, 10595 Fondren Rd., Tuesdays - Fridays 2:30 - 6:30 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m., Sundays 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Westbury Community Garden, 12581 Dunlap St., Saturdays 9 a.m - 5 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sante's Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees.
Photo by Chris Furia
