The 6th Branch turns vacant lots into urban farms to feed communities
By Jenyne Donaldson
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BALTIMORE (WBAL) — A Baltimore nonprofit founded by military veterans is revitalizing vacant lots into green spaces and urban farms, transforming communities and addressing food access challenges.
The 6th Branch, established in 2010, has converted more than 23 acres of vacant lots into thriving green spaces and urban farms. Terrell Williams, a Marine Corps veteran and board member, emphasized the importance of creating hope in neglected areas.
“I think it’s really hard to give people hope when there’s trash all around you,” Williams told WBAL-TV 11 News.
The nonprofit works closely with communities to ensure its projects align with their needs. Curtis Ritz, executive director of The 6th Branch, explained their collaborative approach.
“We don’t go into a space unless we’re invited and asked to. And then, we’re sitting and listening for probably the first year or so to understand what the community wants and then we help make that vision a reality with the community,” Ritz told WBAL-TV 11 News.
In Johnston Square, where blocks of homes were once demolished, the area has been transformed into a vibrant space. Residents can now access fresh produce grown on-site.
“Every Thursday you can get a bag of collards and squash and green peppers and red peppers and hot peppers, which are my favorite, and they’re straight right from the ground,” Williams told WBAL-TV 11 News.
Grace Champion, community farming director, oversees three urban farms that distribute thousands of pounds of free produce annually.
“In addition to the kales and collards, we do Swiss chard. We also do a lot of root vegetables — tomatoes, eggplant — really kind of listening to the climate and doing what will want to perform here,” Champion told WBAL-TV 11 News.
Champion said the farms focus on harvesting produce weekly to share with the approximately 100 families they serve each week in this food desert.
“I think it’s really powerful to interact and be close to green spaces and be more connected to food. If you noticed, they’re not seeing a lot of fresh produce in these areas,” Champion told WBAL-TV 11 News.
The nonprofit also sells compost and honey and offers programs in food access, canopy development, and workforce development.
Williams highlighted the impact of their work on the community.
“If you go over to the Henrietta Lacks Educational Park, it’s an incredible space, and it gives me joy because every time I drive by — and I drive by daily — there are families in that park, and I’d never seen families in the park before,” Williams told WBAL-TV 11 News.
The 6th Branch continues to bring hope to Baltimore neighborhoods, one seed at a time.
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