Four stories above our food bank, the 2,000-square-foot Rooftop Roots Farm thrives as a raised-bed urban oasis. Stewarded by Shanelle Donaldson-West, our dedicated Food Bank Farmer, the farm grows fresh, culturally familiar produce year-round for our community.
We harvest and distribute herbs, veggies, fruits, and edible flowers on the same day to ensure peak freshness for our customers. Much of the produce goes directly to the Apple-a-Day Café, where Café Manager Arra incorporates it into delicious, nourishing meals that day.
In spring 2024, a significant rebuild transformed the farm into a more drought-tolerant and productive space, helping us grow even more for those we serve.
Beyond providing fresh food, Rooftop Roots offers hands-on educational opportunities for young adults in our community. Students gain practical skills in urban farming, gardening, and food systems, preparing them for careers in agriculture, food production, and environmental sustainability.
Want to get involved? Volunteer with us, host a beehive in your backyard to support pollination or learn about our educational programs. Contact Shanelle at shanelle@udistrictfoodbank.org to learn more!
I’d really like more of those Rooftop Roots tomatoes and peppers you gave me last week. They were the best tasting ones I’ve ever had! Really…they were grown on the roof? Why aren’t more food banks doing that?
