A lifelong farmer and gardener, Megan Webbeking developed her love of farming at a young age while spending summers with her grandparents on their 200-acre dairy farm. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Whitman College, she operated a commercial farm in Walla Walla, Wa. Megan has seven years experience owning and operating a business in Seattle, Wa. In 2006, Megan set down roots in her new home of New Orleans and currently resides in the Bywater.

The Opportunity/Challenge

New Orleans is one of the largest food deserts in the nation and over 35,000 properties are still blighted post Katrina.

The Impact

• One acre of land cultivated to produce cut and edible flowers and vegetables in New Orleans East
• 15 members have joined their CSA
• Currently selling on Good Eggs
• The garden expanded it’s footprint by 35% to cover nearly a full acre
• One acre in the center of a community has been transformed from and overgrown vacant lot/dumping ground into a beautiful flower and community garden
• Approximately 83 volunteers have participated in growing and sharing food