A dreamy garden in Detroit? Ask Marilyn who is the creator of Griffin Gardens - a three lot garden oasis that started as a blank slate and gift from her dad. In the last year, Marilyn has cultivated a beautiful green space filled with florals, pollinators, vegetables, and most importantly, community. In this amazing and fun episode, Marilyn talks about how she expanded her garden from one vacant lot with the help of key Detroit partners, along with some of the challenges she faced in...

Cities can transform how we improve our food system and Ribka Getachew, Director of the NY Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) Campaign, joined our show to share just how! Ribka is a long-time organizer and food justice advocate who has been leading this campaign in New York City that serves as a game-changer for the procurement process within local government. The activist talks us through the campaign and how it would address longstanding systemic issues while centering values that support...

Gardening & Beats founder, Kimani Anku, shares the origins of his gardening journey and how being in the green space saved his life, from health to mental challenges. The Webby Awards recipient is championing food activism work in his Prince George's County community and globally by working with families, individuals and youth to start their own garden so they can feel empowered to take control of their health and have access to healthy food. Tune in! To watch the live episode, subscribe...

In this episode, the People's Farmer, Gail Taylor of Three Part Harmony Farm shares details about their inaugural farmer trainee program in partnership with JustTransition Power Force. Barriers to farming for black people have existed for many decades and Three Part Harmony is taking action by offering an opportunity to learn farm production in Washington, DC with priority given to black applicants. This is only part of the solution! Tell a friend, farmer enthusiast, or someone you know...

Dominque Charles of Plots & Pans joins us to share tips on how to protect yourself in the garden, along with your delicious garden beds, during the summer heat! To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

Having spent summers in North Carolina to homestead with her family, Falani Africa inherited many memories that make up a big part of her agricultural journey. In this episode, the Byrd's Nest Box founder invites us into the home of her family and shares a bit of her lineage story that ultimately leads to the birthing of her business. Falani then activates our tastebuds with the details of her Southern-inspired brunch and also talks about her project: Seed Saturday's Culture. To watch the...

Kehmari Norman, founder, Black Flower Market, details a Reparations Garden that was installed near the White House by her and an all-black team of Washingtonians as a call for President Joe Biden to enact the HR 40 Bill that would study reparations. The Eucalyptus Queen also talks about her Concrete Rose initiative that supports families of gun violence in Washington, DC and leaves viewers with a surprising Edible Act to take on. Tune in! Edible Activist broadcasts live every other Monday at...

In this episode, Chris Riddick of Afro Beets joins us to share four methods to grow food in tiny spaces. If you live in a city and don't have access to land or working with a tiny space, but want to grow food, this is the episode to tune into!

After a traumatic experience with her collard greens, My Grow Connect's Founder, Jennifer Lumpkin, vowed to never grow on land she didn't own. This will be the first reveal of the story here on the Edible Activist Podcast!

The Edible Activist Podcast is relaunching and kicking of it's first episode on YouTube. Join host, Melissa L. Jones for a conversation as she shares her mission for the podcast and what's to come! She is also joined by special guest, Jennifer Lumpkin of My, Grow, Connect for a conversation around food activism and why our voices matter in this space!

Melissa L. Jones drops in to share her work in the "garden" in preparation for a new season of podcast episodes!

Grandad a.k.a Big Daddy dropped a gem in a car ride with Melissa L. Jones, while driving through rural Mississippi in smalltown Canton. "We got 150 acres of land." She learns about the mass of land that her grandad owns on his side of the family and shoots out questions for him! Want the full clip? Join our community at patreon.com/fodtalksncolor.com.

In this brief snippet, Grandma Catherine and her granddaughter, Melissa L. Jones chow on muscadines and talk about this seedy and tangy fruit that Grandma would forage in Butler, Alabama. She'll make you chuckle! Want the full clip? Join our community at patreon.com/fodtalksncolor.com

#TheSip has got the juice! Jackson, Mississippi native, Keyah Williams, is the owner of Mama Nature's, a plant-based juice bar in the heart of the capital, along with two other locations. The beginnings of the business not only started with a whopping low personal credit score, which Keyah is completely transparent about, but in the trunk of her car selling juices to customers. Keyah shares an inspiring story in this episode of how she "lost it all" but is now walking authentically in her...

Mario Vitalis of New Age Provision Farms took out $200,000 in USDA loans to fund his hydroponics shipping container operation in Indianapolis and now his debts have been forgiven. At the onset of starting his business, Mario made several attempts to qualify for a loan - a process that was wrapped in discirimination and rejection. Receiving encouragement from his late grandfather pushed him to appeal and not give up. Mario's story takes a few detours along the way, one that will bring you to...

FoodTalksNColor and Edible Activist join Patreon! In this episode, Melissa L. Jones takes us back to 2009, where her food story began and reminds listeners of her 'why' behind the mission of amplifying BIPOC voices in food and agriculture. Listen in and learn how you can help further the mission by joining their Patreon community!

Chrissy Sheffey, former Edible Activist guest and founder of Charismatic Creations says that "the true essence of hospitality is rooted in black people." This week we travelled up 495 to Waldorf, MD where Chrissy's garden-to-table cocktails and amazing experiences come to life. We sat in the middle of Chrissy's warehouse and paid homage to the past, acknowledging the footprint that black people had, and still do, in the spirits industry. Chrissy also shares navigating the beverage space as an...

Hey listeners, we took an extended summer break, but excited about the guests that we have lined up and some updates to share. Stay tuned and keep watch for the next episode!

A plant lover and educator, Britt Huggins enjoys being in the garden and gracing green spaces with pollinators. In this episode, the Philly native recounts how agriculture rescued her during a difficult season in her life and attributed the land for her healing. Britt also shares the importance of seed keeping along with some tips on how to organize them. Tap in!

Mario Vitalis is the owner and operator of New Age Provisions Farms based in Indianapolis, Indiana where he hydroponically grows herbs, lettuce and microgreens. In this episode, Mario, who says he's no expert, shares his experience as a Freight Farmer, how access to land was the driver to container farming, and why hydroponic farming will become even more essential to our future due to climate change. Tap in!

Gabrielle Knox, the Professional Neighbor is a Detroiter, farmer and builder. In this episode, Gab talks about activating space for growing food, engaging with neighbors in her Detroit community, creative land use, and the model behind her business, Build Cooperatively. Tap in!

Bryan Epps, New Jersey native, is a returning farmer with an extensive background in organizing and community building. In this episode, Bryan shares the legacy of his family's land: Eester Farm, held for 200 years and how he's been called back to the agricultural grid and what the transition has been like. He also shares his perspectives on food and nutrition and his devotion to disrupting food apartheid. Tap in! This program was brought to you by Freight...

Lincoln University's Food Service Director, Nafessah Bush, is a Philly native with a love for community. In this episode, she kicks us off sharing how she got her career started in the hotel industry, now working for Thompson Hospitality, the largest black-owned food company in the nation. Nafeesah had the honor to lead a Garden Give Back initiative this year at Lincoln (the FIRST HBCU) with faculty and students that sprung forth enthusiasm and gratitude from the campus community. We also...

This very special episode is an author talk featuring Chef Matthew Raiford & Amy Paige Condon in celebration of their new cookbook Bress 'N' Nyam: Gullah Geechee Recipes from a Sixth Generation Farmer! As CheFarmer Matthew shares the history of the Gullah Geechee, we explore rich Coastal Georgia, along with recipes, stories, and heirlooms that Matthew inherited. Amy also provides context to shaping the cookbook and working with Matthew to publish a creative piece filled with legacy, honor...

Edible Activist popped up at FishScale to chat with co-owner and chef, Brandon Williams. When we first had Brandon on the show, back in 2019, he introduced us to his amazing fish burger concept and shared his culinary journey. As the FishScale team closed up shop for the night, Melissa caught up with Brandon to talk about how his team has been able to push through the pandemic, supporting the local economy through food, activating buying power, and of course all-things wild-caught fish. Tap in!