Meet Our Members: Marra Farm's Giving Garden

Marra Farm is a model urban community farm engaging people in sustainable agriculture and education while enhancing local food security. Tucked into the South Park neighborhood of Seattle, it has 4 acres of historic preserved farmland.

Giving GardenMarra Farm generates tons of fresh, organic produce each year. In 2010, more than 1,800 volunteers contributed over 7,200 hours to help us grow more than 22,000 pounds at Marra Farm! In addition to South Park residents growing food for their own families, the food grown at Marra Farm goes to local residents and the senior lunch program through the Providence Regina House Food Bank, Mien senior citizens, and Concord Elementary School students and their families. Also, through a Seattle Parks and Green Spaces Levy, the adjacent property was transformed into the Marra-Desimone Park in 2009.

	Dear Marra, Dear Marra, Can’t wait to pick peas / The Giving Garden is up to our knees / With arugula, cilantro and even some chives / What a totally wonderful part of our lives. ~Signed, the 3rd graders of Concord Elementary, Room 205
	(Excerpt of a song performed at Marra Farm for Lettuce Link by the kids in 2006)

Children’s GardenLettuce Link maintains a Children’s Garden at Marra Farm where since the year 2000, we have facilitated a series of gardening and nutrition programs for children in South Park. The children walk to the farm, garden in their own plots, taste and cook fresh vegetables, and learn about their environment through scientific exploration and outdoor-themed games. At the end of the class series, children take home their harvests to share with their families.  

The Children’s Gardening and Nutrition program connects students to their food, encourages them to try new recipes, and cultivates healthy eating habits. Moreover, students gain self-confidence and pride by working together to grow their own food and reap the harvest.