A new evaluation of PFGLA’s Freedom Farms initiative highlights the transformative impact of community-led urban agriculture across South and West Los Angeles.
In its first year, Freedom Farms invested more than $700,000 in 13 grassroots organizations, supporting the activation and expansion of 18 garden and farm sites. Together, these sites produced more than 8,200 pounds of culturally relevant produce, delivered over 16,000 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, and engaged more than 4,700 community members through workshops, volunteer events, youth programs, and educational activities.
Beyond food production, the evaluation found that Freedom Farms strengthened community connections, created workforce development opportunities, and transformed underutilized spaces into vibrant hubs for learning, wellness, and healing. More than 40 staff, interns, youth participants, and community members received training in agriculture, composting, food production, and related skills.
The report also points to the future of the initiative. Building on the success of Cohort 1, Freedom Farms is exploring ways to help participating gardens and farms grow into a connected local food ecosystem, creating new opportunities for food entrepreneurship, market access, and economic development.
As one participant shared, “We’re not just growing food. We’re growing leadership, healing, and a new narrative for what’s possible in South LA.”
Read the full Freedom Farms Evaluation Report to learn more about the impact of the program and its vision for the future.