How 2 Survive in The Food Desert
In Petersburg, where creativity and resilience run deep, How 2 Survive in The Food Desert Urban Agriculture Experience has grown into more than just an initiative—it’s a movement. Born in 2015 at the Petersburg Oasis commUNITY Garden, this initiative by the Petersburg League of Urban Growers (P.L.U.G.) equips youth and the broader community with tools to address food insecurity and build healthier, sustainable futures. Today, it’s a space for “little lights,” young adults, seniors, and families alike to learn, grow, and thrive.
From Food Deserts to Abundance: How It All Started
How 2 Survive in The Food Desert began as a response to the reality of food deserts—areas with limited access to fresh, healthy food. Instead of accepting the status quo, P.L.U.G. decided to empower the community by teaching urban agriculture. From day one, the initiative has been about cultivating more than crops. We’re sowing seeds of self-reliance and love.
Creative Learning Through Meaningful Themes
In 2022, the initiative incorporated the Learn, Grow, Eat, Go! curriculum through a partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension, offering participants the opportunity to earn their Jr. Master Gardener Certification. While this partnership added structure to the gardening program, the creative curriculum—complete with its inspiring weekly themes—was designed by P.L.U.G. to reflect the unique needs and culture of the Petersburg community.
The curriculum was intentionally designed to reinforceover 30 Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) in an effort to support the local school system in their effort to educate our future. By integrating science, math, and literacy into agricultural lessons, the program provides participants with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that align with academic benchmarks.
Some examples of these engaging, culturally relevant themes include:
• “Intention: A Seed in The Food Desert” – Teaching participants to plant seeds of change.
• “Inspiration: Plant Some Shhh!” (inspired by Ron Finley) – Empowering creative food-growing solutions.
• “Nourish: From The Soil 2 Soul Food” – Exploring the cultural and health connections of food.
This hands-on curriculum helps participants grow their own food, better understand food systems, and build pride as stewards of the land.
Collaborations That Power Growth
The success of this initiative has always been rooted in collaboration. Key collaborations with organizations like Happily Natural Day, Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program, Virginia Tech University, the Urban Agriculture Initiative, Petersburg Public Library, and the Boys & Girls Club of Petersburg have expanded its impact.
Through the Agrarian Trust and the Central Virginia Agrarian Commons, the initiative now has a home at the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm for the next 95 years! This outdoor classroom provides a space for participants of all ages to connect with the land, grow fresh produce, and deepen their understanding of sustainable agriculture.
Through a collaboration with Petersburg Is Growing Inc., the Young Pharaohs of Petersburg will also participate in the How 2 Survive in The Food Desertexperience before embarking on their transformative journey back to Kemet. This integration ensures that they are equipped with the knowledge of sustainable agriculture and food systems to connect to both their local community and cultural heritage.
With support from Petersburg Is Growing Inc., the initiative also has the potential to expand to Pleasants Lane Elementary School, just 0.3 miles from the farm, further connecting classrooms to real-world experiences.
Over the years, collaborations with Legacy Landscapes, Purple Food Crew, Fit4Kids, and In My Corner have helped over 100 youth earn their Jr. Master Gardener Certifications!
A Vision for the Future: From Surviving to Thriving
While How 2 Survive in The Food Desert has already made an impact, it’s just the beginning. The next phase, How 2 Thrive in The Food Desert, will focus on leadership, social entrepreneurship, and deeper connections to local food systems. The Oasis Youth Farm will continue to grow leaders, advocates, and visionaries while remaining a space for the community to sow and grow together.
Schedule Your Experience
Are you a parent, educator, or community leader looking to bring this transformative initiative to your school or family? Email growwiththeplug@gmail.com to schedule an experience for your children, students, or community group.
Join the Movement
We believe that when a community grows together, we thrive together. Here’s how you can support:
• Volunteer to mentor or lead a workshop.
• Donate to help us expand opportunities for participants.
• Spread the word about Petersburg Is Growing and its mission.
A commUNITY that sows together, grows together.
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