Meacham Urban Farm offers options and education in downtown Tampa’s food desert
“That’s our goal is to feed people. That’s it,” Dalessio said.
By: Vanessa Araiza
ABC Action News
Feb 23, 2021
Excerpt:
A green oasis now sits in the middle of a thriving city. Nestled between I-275 and downtown Tampa sits Meacham Urban Farm.
Joseph Dalessio is the owner and manager of the 2.1 acres.
“We do all organic bio-intensive agriculture,” Dalessio said.
Dalessio is one of three farmers at the site.
The farm sits just blocks away from downtown Tampa and the farm may look like a pop-up for many.
Shalonda Bryon and her family of three recently found out it’s a stone throw’s away from their own home.
“Literally stumbled upon it because I did not know it existed and I live downtown,” Bryon said.
It may look like an overnight creation, but it’s been three years in the making.
A partnership between Tampa Housing Authority, HUD, and Hillsborough County schools made this possible.
Hillsborough County Schools provides the property and have become even more involved by creating a curriculum focused on the farm.
