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Founded by Gavin Raders and Haleh Zandi in 2008, Oakland-based Planting Justice grew from a tiny grassroots backyard food project into a powerhouse nonprofit food justice and urban gardening organization with real power and purpose. Three core objectives determine the roadmap for equitable and supportive hiring, programming, land acquisitions, garden and nursery operations, and educational outreach initiatives.
First and foremost Planting Justice provides sustainable, living-wage jobs for formerly incarcerated people and communities impacted by mass incarceration. With that in mind, the org addresses food deserts in under-resourced urban and rural areas, and supports and trains workers and residents interested in permaculture, food justice, and wellness. At its simplest level, every person at Planting Justice is or becomes believers in the profundity of planting a seed or seedling, nurturing it, watching it grow, then sharing what it produces with a community for the benefit of all.
When it comes to impact, the numbers speak volumes. Take a quick look at just a handful that reflect the organization’s broad reach. Fifty full-time staff, many of whom who have been previously incarcerated, work in living wage jobs with full benefits. That’s over 165 people since 2009 who stay on average for four years and are paid $27 per hour. Each person enjoys a gorgeous, outdoor working environment at one of Planting Justice’s six gardens or nurseries.
More examples? The educational programs reach 2500 youths each year, including 40 paid internships. Food distribution and volunteer activities have resulted in 1000 fruit trees planted in Oakland, and 15,000 free smoothies distributed at local schools, BART stations and to marginalized people living in food deserts. A robust online shop offers nearly 2000 certified organic products, according to the season. Efficient delivery options mean customers from across the country place orders and thereby support the Bay Area food network.
The best way to get involved is to sign up for a volunteer day at Planting Justice’s four-acre farm or the Good Table café in El Sobrante. Work days take place Tuesdays and Thursdays, or every second Saturday of the month. The activities assigned are geared to suit the physical skills and interests of each volunteer, but wear clothing appropriate for outdoor work, bring sunscreen, and pack a lunch—or possibly, snacks to share if the mood to munch with others hits the right note.
To find out more, place orders, volunteer, become a sponsor, or other information, visit plantingjustice.org
