What Does Urban Triage’s Agriculture Program Do? Food Justice in Madison, WI Explained

Urban Triage’s agriculture programs in Madison, WI, support food justice, Black farmers, community gardens, and access to free produce. Learn how to get involved.

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Why Food Access Matters in Madison Right Now

At Urban Triage, we believe access to healthy food is a right, not a privilege. Across Madison, especially on the south side, many families continue to face barriers to fresh, affordable food. Our agricultural program is rooted in removing those barriers, building community, restoring connection to the land, and creating pathways to long-term economic stability.

This work is about food justice, Black leadership in agriculture, and investing in a future where everyone has what they need to thrive.

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What does Urban Triage’s agriculture program include?

Urban Triage’s agriculture programs are designed to meet people where they are — whether they want to grow food, build a business, or simply access fresh produce.

Our work includes:

• Hands-on agriculture education and training programs
• Support for Black farmers and emerging growers in Wisconsin
• Development of community gardens in Madison neighborhoods
• Weekly free produce distribution for community members
• Opportunities to build income and ownership through agriculture

We connect food access to housing stability, health, and long-term economic opportunity — because these issues are deeply connected.

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What is Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture (SHBA)?

Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture is the foundation of our agriculture work.

It’s a 12-week workgroup program designed to reconnect Black families and individuals with land, food, and agricultural knowledge.

Participants:

• Learn how to grow their own food
• Gain hands-on experience working with farmers and gardens
• Explore agriculture as a pathway to entrepreneurship
• Engage in conversations about the history of Black agriculture and systemic barriers

Participants are encouraged to continue building their skills, their networks, and their connection to the land. 

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Do you help people start farms or agricultural businesses?

Yes. Urban Triage’s Farm Business Development program supports Black farmers and growers seeking to start or expand their agricultural businesses.

We provide support with:

• Business planning and development
• Licensing and navigating requirements
• Accessing state and federal agricultural programs
• Building sustainable income through farming

This work is critical. Black farmers once made up 14% of U.S. farmers. Today, that number has dropped to just 1.3%,  largely due to systemic discrimination and loss of land. Our goal is to help reverse that trend by lowering barriers and supporting long-term success.

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What is the Hemp Specialty Crop Workgroup?

The Hemp Specialty Crop Workgroup is a focused program that helps participants explore hemp as a viable agricultural and business opportunity.

Participants learn:

• The basics of hemp cultivation
• Legal and regulatory considerations
• How to build a business within the hemp industry

Hemp is a growing market, and we believe Black farmers should have access to that opportunity from the start.

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Where are your community gardens located?

Urban Triage is actively expanding access to land across Madison. In 2026, we are launching two new community gardens:

• A garden at Heifetz Park on the south side of Madison
• A garden at our Emerging Adults Transitional Home

These gardens provide space for:

• Growing fresh food
• Practicing skills learned in our programs
• Building relationships within the community

They are designed to be accessible, welcoming, and rooted in shared learning.

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Do you provide free food?

Yes. Urban Triage grows and distributes nearly 10,000 pounds of organic produce each year, all of which is given back to the community.

Our weekly produce distributions take place during the growing season at 2312 S. Park Street, Madison. There are no requirements to receive food. No sign-ups. No barriers. Because access to healthy food should not depend on income, status, or circumstance. 

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What events can the community attend?

Urban Triage hosts events throughout the year that bring people together around food, agriculture, and community.

Community Garden Groundbreaking - Heifetz Park on March 28 at 10:30 AM

This event includes hands-on activities like soil preparation, composting, and garden setup and is open to all ages and experience levels.

Annual Harvest Festival (Every September) - Held at the Farley Center in Verona

The Harvest Festival is a celebration of:

• Community-grown food
• Black farmers and growers
• The work happening throughout the growing season

It’s a space to connect, celebrate, and reflect on what’s been built together.

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Why This Work Matters

Urban Triage’s agriculture work is about more than food. It’s about:

• Restoring access to land
• Building economic opportunity
• Strengthening community connections
• Creating long-term change

Every garden, every program, and every harvest is part of building a more just and sustainable Madison.

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Take Action

• Subscribe to our Agriculture Newsletter - https://www.urbantriage.org/#JOIN-US 
• Join our Agriculture Facebook Resource Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/439095770691413/
• Volunteer in a community garden - https://www.urbantriage.org/volunteer-with-us
• Attend upcoming events - https://www.urbantriage.org/events 
• Donate to support food justice - https://www.urbantriage.org/support-agriculture-initiatives 

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