From Farmer Gale

I began my farming career back in 2010 after a personal health crisis.  My journey began with growing fresh vegetables for me and my child in containers in our backyard.  In 2012, I transitioned to crop production on rented land in West Virginia for 6 years.  That time allowed me to develop my production skills while earning a modest living selling my crops at various farmers markets in DC.  In 2018, I relocated my operation to another rented space in Prince George’s County Maryland and began the process of land acquisition via USDA funding. 

I established the Deep Root Foundation in 2022, but have envisioned the work of the Foundation for many years.  Agricultural education is vital to improving equity and diversity in this field. The staggering demise of the black farmer is evident.  According to the USDA, in 1920 there were 925,708 Black farmers (14% of all farmers) but only 48,697 Black farmers in 2017 (1.3% of all 3.4 million farmers). The average age of farmers in America is 67.9. We need to intensify our efforts to secure our food system in this country.

One of the major obstacles faced by farmers is locating capability, consistent and reliable workers.  I have interviewed 72 applicants over the past 2 seasons and only 2 possessed actual production farming experience.   The majority of the candidates are BIPOC individuals seeking to learn how to farm and want to work with a woman farmer of color. 

BIPOC communities have so much ancestral history with the land but racism, discrimination and other prejudicial systems has put a divide between BIPOC hands and lands. Many health disparities in BIPOC communities can be attributed to this disconnection. We want to close that gap by providing BIPOC community members an opportunity to connect with the food they consume, while learning how to grow, harvest, prepare  and preserve designated ethnic crops. 

A less than 2% chance of survival. That's what the doctors told me when my son was born. I remember holding my tiny, fragile son, his skin translucent, his eyes barely open.

Determined to do everything in my power, I began researching the impact of nutrition on brain development, particularly for premature infants. I introduced nutrient-dense foods into his diet, from pureed vegetables to homemade smoothies. As he grew, I saw a remarkable change in his cognitive abilities and overall health. Today is  a vibrant healthy intelligent 11 year old with no developmental or learning disabilities and I attribute that to not only all the love I gave him but to the healing power of food.  

My personal experience ignited a passion to help others, particularly those in underserved communities, access the healing power of food. As a clinical mental therapist, I understand the profound impact of the mind-gut connection. By combining my clinical knowledge with my passion for nutrition, I aim to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.

Deep Root Foundation was born from a shared passion, vision and mission of increasing access to quality nutritious food and education to BIPOC communities. We want to empower individuals, children, families and communities to harness the healing power of veggies!!!