In Kensington, subservience is becoming a part of everyday life for those involved with the Emerald Street Urban Farm, located on the 2300 block of Emerald St.
With the help of local residents and out-of-towners alike, the farm is beginning to blossom for the 2013 growing season.
The farm was originally funded by Elissa Esposito, but as its popularity in the neighborhood is increasing, so is its funding.
“Through events, we’ve been able to support the farm and we also are a member of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s City Harvest Growers Alliance and they’re probably the reason we have been able to build as quickly as we have been able to,” Elissa Esposito said.
Starting its fifth growing season, the farm gives Kensington residents the opportunity to keep what they grow, which in turn can help cut down on their family food costs.
The median household income for Kensington residents is $24,489, according to Zillow.com. Comparatively, the 2011 United States Census Bureau’s report lists the national median household income at $52,762. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture estimates grocery store prices will increase three to four percent in 2013. With the increase of grocery store prices, urban farms potentially can allow Kensington residents to save more of their income.
Every Monday, the farm is offering open farm days, which is giving the community access to the dirt plots. Also, the open farm days are supplying Kensington residents with the chance to plant and harvest crops while helping clean and adding upgrades to the farm as well.
“There’s so many people in this city who are taking over lots, who are growing food,” said Nic Esposito of the city’s up-and-coming urban farm community. “What we try to do is utilize our space, as what we like to call inspiration and education, educate people how to do it and inspire them to do it on their own lots.”
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