News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Friday December 19th 2025
A New Economy is Emerging in East Phillips
by DANIEL COLTEN SCHMIDT
The East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) gives away locally-grown, organic vegetables and herbs to neighborhood residents for free. The Farm Team sets up a folding table in Cedar Field Park across from Little Earth and writes a list of produce on a whiteboard under the words, “Free Vegetables!” and “Vegetales Gratis!” The team lays colorful foods across the table and joyfully encourages passersbys to take home whatever they want in upcycled cloth bags.
The last time I attended a food giveaway, our team discussed increasing the amount of food we give away and the number of people we engage. Someone suggested setting up a table at the farmer’s market, to which Kieran Morris, EPNI’s Farm Team Coordinator responded, “I’ve talked to them, and they don’t want us there. Our free vegetables will reduce the sales for the farmers.” EPNI’s Farm Team agreed that attending the farmer’s market wouldn’t be appropriate; we don’t want to negatively impact small farmers, many of whom are BIPOC.
EPNI can give away food because of grant funding. But why should EPNI receive grants and subsidies if this undercuts the private market? On the other hand, how can it be wrong to give away organic, locally produced food in a neighborhood where over 30% of residents experience poverty? … Read the rest “A New Economy is Emerging in East Phillips”
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