A new commercial teaching kitchen, with an attached community-run urban farm, will open next month with farm tours and fundraising events planned to support its activities.
The 15th Street Farm, tended by long term St. Pete resident, restaurateur and chef, Emmanuel Roux, is a sprawling green oasis among new townhouse construction and established commercial businesses.
The gardens have existed for years but the teaching kitchen and attached outdoor covered dining pad are a new addition supported and envisioned by social entrepreneur, Mark Hunter.
In 2016 the farm was prevented from closure following a loss of federal funding by Hunter and Roux. They redefined the non-profit’s mission and the concept of an innovative educational urban farm was conceived.
The farm is staffed by volunteers and community members who grow vegetables, fruits and herbs using organic and permaculture techniques. They offer educational programs, workshops and events to teach people about sustainable agriculture and healthy cooking.
The non-profit is actively fundraising for kitchen equipment and an outdoor brick oven where breads and pizzas can be baked for guests and volunteers. The farm staff is planning a series of farm-to-table luncheons and dinners to support their fundraising efforts. These events will offer chef-driven meals of ultra-fresh, locally grown food
15th Street hosts Open Markets on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays where the general public can buy fresh produce and many tasting tours are scheduled in the spring.
The kitchen at the 15th Street Farm under construction in September 2023.