Sanctuary Farms

01/09/2025

We’re honored to have received the 2023 Michigan Recycling Coalition Award of Excellence for an Organization! 🏆✨

This recognition highlights our commitment to sustainability and innovative recycling practices that make a difference in our community. Huge thanks to Recycle, MI - Michigan Recycling Coalition - MRC and everyone who supports our mission to create a greener future! 🌱💚

Read more about it here: https://michiganrecycles.org/past-annual-conferences/

LIBRARY OF CONFERENCE SESSIONS MRC RECYCLING AWARD WINNERS OVER THE YEARS The MRC Award of Recycling Excellence is given to chosen nominees each year at the Annual Conference. Nominations for the Award of Excellence typically open in January. All types of programs - big and small, public and private...

01/02/2025

In 2023, our co-founder jøn kent was featured on WXYZ-TV Channel 7 to highlight an exciting initiative! 🌱✨ Sanctuary Farms, alongside six other urban farms in Detroit, installed solar-powered air monitoring systems to track carbon emissions across Metro Detroit.

This project marked a significant step in understanding and improving air quality in our communities. By leveraging renewable energy and real-time data, we’re continuing to work toward a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

Watch the feature here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5ab3o0Da8g

Read the full article here: https://www.wxyz.com/news/sanctuary-farm-provides-detroiters-with-affordable-food-monitors-air-pollution

They've done a lot to help revitalize city blocks by turning them into urban farm oasis to provide affordable organic food to those in the neighborhood.

12/26/2024

Thank you Outlier Media for highlighting us in this article. At Sanctuary Farms, we believe in the power of local voices shaping the future of our neighborhoods. That’s why we worked alongside our Riverbend neighbors to opt out of the solar farms plan for our area, ensuring that our vision for community-centered urban agriculture stays strong.

We’re inspired by the potential for renewable energy but remain committed to advocating for solutions that truly benefit Detroiters. Let’s keep asking the right questions and working together for a greener, more inclusive future!

💡 Read the full article here: https://outliermedia.org/detroit-solar-farms-neighhborhoods-community-benefits-home-buyouts/

Detroit’s Solar Neighborhood Initiative to build solar farms on vacant land has sparked interest from residents living near proposed sites.

12/19/2024

At Sanctuary Farms, protecting the health of our community is at the heart of everything we do. In response to toxic emissions from the nearby Stellantis plant, we’ve installed solar-powered air monitors to track and share real-time air quality data, helping residents understand and respond to air pollution levels affecting their daily lives.

Partnering with the Ecology Center , we’re uniting farms across Detroit to safeguard both our environment and the well-being of our neighbors. Together, we’re working for a healthier, cleaner Detroit. 💚

🔗 Read more about it here: https://wdet.org/2023/12/07/urban-farm-tracking-pollution-from-nearby-stellantis-plant/

WDET 101.9FM

Sanctuary Farms, a small organic farm on Detroit’s east side, has installed solar powered air monitors on their property to track toxic chemicals.

12/12/2024

We’re honored to be featured in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development! 🌱 This policy brief highlights the critical role urban agriculture plays in building resilient communities and calls for federal support to sustain its growth.

At Sanctuary Farms, we’re proud to be part of this movement, driving change and advocating for a stronger future for urban farms. 💪🏽

Read more about how we’re shaping the future of urban agriculture: https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/1299/1276

JAFSCD: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development. Publication of the Thomas A. Lyson Center for Civic Agriculture and Food Systems

12/05/2024

Sanctuary Farms is proud to partner with the Ecology Center to bring real-time air quality monitoring to our farm on Detroit’s east side. In response to ongoing industrial pollution, we’ve installed a solar-powered air monitor that will track the effects on our environment and help us better understand the impacts on urban agriculture. 🌱

With six local farms joining this network, our goal is to empower Detroit’s residents and farmers with accessible data and support clean air initiatives across the city. Together, we’re building a community-driven approach to environmental justice and urban farming.

BridgeDetroit

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.bridgedetroit.com/detroit-farms-install-monitors-to-track-air-pollution/

Air quality researchers and Detroit farmers are building a network of farms to monitor air and democratize the data.

11/21/2024

Check out the Lunch & Learn Producers Panel by the NUAg Initiative, featuring our co-founder jøn kent! 🌱

jøn shares what it means to be a farmer in Detroit and highlights the impactful projects we’re working on to uplift our community and protect the environment.

Watch the full panel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiDnvISq7w8

11/14/2024

🌱 We’re reflecting on the moment when our own jøn kent represented Sanctuary Farms in Washington, D.C., standing alongside fellow advocates to call for real, lasting change in the Farm Bill. This effort, hosted by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, was a powerful opportunity to advocate for critical support for urban farmers and sustainable agriculture practices that address environmental and community needs on a national level.

Though this happened last year, it reflects our commitment to making a difference both locally and beyond. Our work at Sanctuary Farms is not only about sustainable food and farming here at home but about advocating for policies that create a more resilient and equitable future for everyone. 🌍

Let's continue to push forward together!

Morning Ag Clips - Michigan
🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.morningagclips.com/mi-farmer-advocates-for-farm-bill-changes/

DETROIT, Mich. — On June 14, local farmer and advocate jøn kent of Sanctuary Farms went to Washington, D.C., to share an important message for...

11/07/2024

Throwback to last year -- we're incredibly grateful to be one of the 2023 SARE grant awardees! 🎉 This funding will help us continue our work in improving water catchment and conservation for Detroit's urban farmers. A huge thank you to North Central Region SARE and all the supporters of sustainable agriculture for making this possible. 🌱

Read the full article to learn more about the amazing projects being funded across Michigan. Together, we're building a brighter, more sustainable future! Michigan State Spartans

🔗 https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/congratulations-to-17-sare-grant-awardees-in-2023

$1.3 million in new grant funds support Michigan sustainable agriculture researchers, farmers and educators.

11/05/2024

🌿 Join us for our LAST volunteer day of 2024!

This Saturday is the final chance to lend a hand on the farm this year, and we need all hands on deck to help close the food loop in Detroit. We’re so grateful for our incredible volunteers and everyone who’s helped make a difference on the farm—thank you for being part of this journey with us! Let’s finish the year strong, together! 🌱💚

10/29/2024

🍂 We love a Michigan Fall season! 🎃 Here's a look at our beautiful pumpkins, proudly grown with the heart of Detroit here at Sanctuary Farms. Discover how the USDA is helping communities like ours thrive through sustainable gardening – click the link to learn more!

https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

09/24/2024

💚 Our quarterly meeting was a great time for the team to come together! 💚

Working with such passionate and motivated individuals who care about sustainability and our community is truly inspiring. We wouldn’t be where we are without the incredible people supporting us. Feeling grateful and excited for what’s ahead! Shoutout to !

09/19/2024

🍂 Join us for the Sanctuary Farms Fall Festival! 🎃

Come celebrate the season with an afternoon of fun, food, and festivities. From pumpkin carving to live music, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, check out our seasonal veggies and delicious festive food!

📅 Date: October 12th
🕑 Time: 2:00 - 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 3171 Lakeview Street, Detroit, MI 48215
🎟️ Free Entry!

Bring your friends and family and make this fall unforgettable! See you there! 🍁🌾

08/29/2024

We're honored to be featured in this article highlighting by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition about the critical work happening in Washington, DC to reform the 2023 Farm Bill. This bill has the potential to shape the future of sustainable agriculture, and we're proud to be part of the conversation. 🌱

Read the full article to learn more about how we're advocating for stronger food and agriculture systems that support our farmers, our communities, and our planet.

🔗

Last week, NSAC hosted farmers, ranchers, and food system advocates from six states, who collectively attended nearly 20 meetings with Congressional offices and USDA officials, to share their stories and call for stronger, better-funded sustainable agriculture programs in the next farm bill.

08/15/2024

Spotlight on Sanctuary Farms!

To our feature in an article by Jefferson East, Inc. , a dedicated nonprofit working to transform our neighborhoods into equitable, desirable, and inclusive communities for everyone.

🌱 At Sanctuary Farms, we're at the forefront of urban renewal, transforming neglected lots into thriving green spaces that enhance community well-being and resilience.

💛 A huge thank you goes out to all our partners, supporters, and the incredible team whose tireless efforts have brought us to where we are today.

Read the full article here: https://www.jeffersoneast.org/jei-blog/2023/3/15/-small-business-spotlight-sanctuary-farms-?utm_campaign=5637d6e469-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_03_15_05_22&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Small%20Business%20Owners&utm_term=0_-5637d6e469-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

When thinking about Detroit, farming probably doesn’t come to mind. Two locals, Jon Kent and Parker Jean, are working to change that narrative, while improving their community in the process.  In the midst of the pandemic, lifelong friends Kent and Jean joined forces to bring their shared

08/08/2024

🎥 Check out our Nextcycle Michigan showcase presentation, filmed at the RIT & FLOWS Team Showcase at Eastern Michigan University! 📍

We're taking huge strides in the Riverbend neighborhood of Detroit, expanding our food waste processing and compost cultivation operations with additional site development. We're turning local food waste into nutrient-rich compost to support the people of Detroit, addressing the city's need for industrial-scale composting solutions. 🌍♻️

Learn more about our work and how NextCycle Michigan supports initiatives like ours by connecting entrepreneurs, companies, organizations, and communities to technical support, financial resources, and capacity building for recycling, recovery, and reuse. 🙌✨

📺 Watch the full presentation here:

Filmed at the jointly held RIT & FLOWS Team Showcase, held in June 2024 at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.Sanctuary Farms is expanding fo...

08/06/2024

Thank you Detroitisit for highlighting our work! So thankful to be doing work that helps uplift our community and environment 💚

Have you heard of Sanctuary Farms in Detroit?

It's a community-driven urban farm dedicated to sustainable, organic farming and community empowerment.
Using a no-till method, works harmoniously with nature by replenishing the soil with organic matter, compost, and wood chip mulch each year.

Sanctuary Farms can be found at several farmers markets in Metro-Detroit, including Eastern Market Partnership, Jefferson Chalmers Farmers Market, Birmingham, and St. Clair Shores.

Founded by Detroit native jøn kent and his lifelong friend Parker Jean, Sanctuary Farms was born out of their shared passion for sustainability and urban farming.

SBN Detroit recently featured Kent, highlighting how Sanctuary Farms is transforming Detroit through sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.

Check out the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-whEOoO6wO8

PC: Sanctuary Farms