Interfaith Neighbors

Program Spotlight | Community Empowerment: Education & Food Justice

Kula Urban Farm, a program of Interfaith Neighbors, has been empowering the Asbury Park community since its inception in 2015. With its hydroponic greenhouse, traditional raised beds, and Farm Without Borders, Kula Farm grows seasonal, sustainable produce that can be purchased by local restaurants and residents, while supplying free produce to the community and neighboring food pantry. However, the work to support the community with access to healthy food does not stop there. The Farm is also committed to providing education, experiences for the development of a healthy lifestyle, and an engaging community space for community members.

The Kula Farm Without Borders at Springwood & Atkins Avenues.

Kula’s dedication to food justice and access is exemplified through its partnership with Bethel AME Food Pantry. Produce is harvested and contributed weekly to this local food pantry, located on the lot adjacent to the Farm, and distributed to local families. Many West Side residents lack the funds and access to fresh, healthy produce and would suffer nutritionally without this initiative. Kula Farm also manages the Farm Without Borders located on Springwood and Atkins Avenues. The Farm Without Borders has transformed a vacant lot into an open community garden, where community members are welcome to harvest throughout the season. This not only makes for a more beautiful Asbury Park, but it also allows the community to be involved in the process of growing their own healthy food.

Kula Farm also facilitates a job program, designed to promote foundational workplace skills for members of the community. By offering a positive work experience to add to a resume, Kula Farm hopes to take away barriers to future employment. Working with your hands, performing tasks like planting and weeding, can also be extremely therapeutic. Those returning to the workface after a long hiatus or previous incarceration are welcome to restart their journey here— stop by to fill out an application!

Sisters Academy students visit the Kula Farm without Borders and assist with the harvest.

Community engagement and education is facilitated through classes and workshops held at the Farm. Classes and workshops engage individuals of all ages on a variety of topics. Kula works with various schools to organize extracurricular programs and holds homeschool classes for children, teaching them about the environment and gardening, while providing hands-on activities. Some of the workshop topics for adults include composting, the cannabis industry, recycled art, kimchi making, nature printmaking, and more! It’s an amazing space to learn and express yourself while engaging with the community.

Interfaith Neighbors’ Meeting the Moment Campaign has secured funding for an exciting expansion of the Farm, that will add a three-season pavilion, a full kitchen, and bathrooms. Look for these new additions next spring! The expansion will allow the Farm to increase community outreach and events to reach even more people in the community. Kula Urban Farm will continue to provide the surrounding community with the tools, education, and space that empowers them to conquer food injustices and to flourish.

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