Nuestras Raíces

Nuestras Raíces was founded in 1992 by a group of community members in South Holyoke, primarily migrating farmers from Puerto Rico. They began by transforming an abandoned lot into the city's first community garden, which sparked the growth of urban agriculture in Holyoke. Over the years, the organization has expanded to coordinate 14 community gardens and operates a 30-acre urban farm, focusing on urban agriculture, economic development, and food systems change.

The organization emphasizes community involvement and empowerment, with members holding voting power to influence decisions. Their 30-acre urban farm supports Latino, low/moderate-income farmers who cultivate and sell culturally significant crops. They also provide technical assistance and financial literacy classes to Latino entrepreneurs, operate a mobile market, and collaborate with local schools to develop a strong Latino youth labor pool. Their practices are deeply rooted in advocating for racial equality and food and social justice.

Nuestras Raíces supports food entrepreneurs through a commercial kitchen and restaurant facility, and runs a Puerto Rican Lechonera take-out facility. They have also launched Energia, LLC, a clean-energy business generating significant revenue and employment. The organization is a trusted advocate within the Latino community, respecting cultural traditions and preferences.