Urban Beet started in a high school cafeteria
This empty fruit and vegetable fridge in founder Chander Payne's high school lunchroom opened his eyes to the reality of food insecurity in his own community and across America.  
Chander then worked to partner his school's food pantry with a local rooftop farm.  This allowed his school to provide families in need with twenty pounds of fresh produce weekly.  Chander began working with local company Love and Carrots to build vegetable gardens around DC.  It was during this time that he saw the power of healthy soil and began Urban Beet with the goal of helping marginalized young people grow fresh, nourishing food with regenerative techniques.  
The very first Urban Beet garden is still thriving today in the courtyard of Chander's high school.  Since that garden's construction, Urban Beet has been ever-expanding to bring nutritious food and joy to more communities.
Urban Beet has grown into a team of eleven bright individuals dedicated to taking this mission nationwide.  With twelve flourishing farms in DC, Maryland, Delaware, and Michigan, Urban Beet is on it's way to providing fresh food and gardening education to those in need across the country.

We've become a certified 501c(3) non-profit, fiscally sponsored by the Earth Island Institute and garnered endorsement through grants from organizations such as National Geographic, T-Mobile, General Motors, Ashoka, Williams College, and The Riley's Way Foundation.
Our team is always working on connecting with new shelters and maintaining our current farms.  For us to continue to grow, we need your support!  Consider donating today to help us plant more seeds and spread more love.