Eastport nonprofit outlines half‑acre neighborhood farm to address food desert

Matthew Wallace, founder of the Eastport nonprofit Joy Grows, told the Bridal Matters Committee on Feb. 12 that the group is creating a roughly half‑acre community farm in the Harbor House/Eastport Terrace neighborhood to expand neighborhood‑scale food production and youth enrichment.

"We are creating ... a half a can half acre farm space in Eastport" Wallace said, describing partnerships with long‑standing neighborhood gardeners and a plan that pairs production with community education. He said the site sits in the heart of a city‑identified food desert near Madison and President streets and described project components including perennials, annual production, and a greenhouse the organization plans to purchase and site pending permitting.

Wallace said the greenhouse is currently located in Millersville and will be equipped for rain catchment; he also pointed to precedent projects, including a greenhouse at Phoenix Academy, and noted the group has an MOU approved by director Maddox Evans and expects a public ribbon‑cutting in May. A Chesapeake Bay Trust grant was named as a major supporter.

Deputy City Manager Jeff Powell and other committee members offered operational and grant assistance — Powell noted community grants and county funding as possible sources and asked to stay engaged — while a nearby resident said the project is located just outside their house and welcomed it because their child participates.

Chair thanked Wallace and encouraged him to pursue community grant funding; city staff and the arborist suggested potential additional supports (tree plantings, pollinator plantings, permitting assistance). Wallace identified two additional nearby sites (Morris Plum and Robin Wood) and a planned project at Mary Moss Adams Academy.

What’s next: Wallace said a pre‑permit meeting is scheduled and that Joy Grows will continue community engagement; staff advised Wallace to pursue the city community grant program and offered help navigating permitting if needed.