Taqwa Community Farm

What if a patch of land could whisper tales of resilience? Taqwa Community Farm, nestled in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx, does just that. This half-acre haven, now bursting with life, was once a desolate, abandoned lot, a casualty of urban decay in the 1970s. Imagine 1992. A group of residents, led by Abu Talib, envisioned something more for this forgotten space. They saw potential for growth, for community, for a vibrant green heart in their neighborhood. They approached the city, secured permission to cultivate the land, and Taqwa Community Farm was born. The name, Taqwa, meaning “peace” in Arabic, reflects a conscious connection to something greater, a sense of harmony with nature and community. Talib, raised in South Carolina by sharecroppers, brought his deep-rooted farming knowledge to the Bronx. He transformed this neglected plot into a flourishing testament to the power of community and the resilience of nature. Today, Taqwa Community Farm thrives, tended by nearly 100 families. They cultivate a bounty of vegetables, from potatoes and spinach to collards, carrots, and corn. The farm produces an astounding 10,000 pounds of food annually. It’s a testament to their dedication, their shared vision, and the fertile ground they’ve nurtured. The farm even has its own colony of bees and a dozen chickens, adding to the vibrant ecosystem they’ve created. This isn’t just about growing food. It’s about growing community, cultivating hope, and fostering a deeper connection to the earth. The farm sells its produce at local farmers markets, and through their “Grow to Give” program, they donate any surplus, sharing the abundance with those in need. In 1998, Taqwa Community Farm received the Deere Kids Seeds of Hope Award, recognizing the volunteers’ hard work and dedication. That same year, the farm became part of the Parks Department, securing its future as a vital green space for the community. Taqwa Community Farm stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can blossom when a community comes together, nurturing both the land and each other.