This Urban Farmer Transforming Empty Lots in New Orleans

Meet David Young, the urban farmer in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. He came here in 2010 from Indiana and stayed because of a “calling from god.” Since then he has started gardens on 30 abandoned lots leftover from Hurricane Katrina.

The nearest grocery store is 3.5 miles away. He provides his produce for free or at low cost to people most in need around the community. But all the fruit grown in his urban orchard is free for the community to pick.

This urban farmer also rescues bees that would have otherwise been killed by exterminators and gives them a new home. He also has over 60 hives throughout the Lower 9th Ward. He has built the largest aquaponics system in New Orleans and gave out over 2,500 pounds of food last year. His home is an urban homestead with goats, rescued chickens, and of course more bees. His programs are funded partly by honey sales and his work is completely volunteer.

Don’t you wish there were more David Young’s? He invites you to volunteer with him and support his work.

Visit His Website to learn more and get involved.