Fun On The Urban Farm

Earlier this morning, San Antonio College’s William R. Sinkin Eco Centro, along with partners San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) and Compost Queens, brokeground on what will become the Garcia Street Urban Farm on the Eastside of San Antonio. The 4.1-acre farm will serve as an educational and food production hub on the city's Eastside, which has been designated a food desert by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Along with baby goats, wild flower seed bombs, a ceremonial planting, and farm-fresh food vendors, the event was hosted to introduce this new venture to the community. SAC President Dr. Robert Vela, SAHA’s President/CEO David Nisivoccia and Alamo Colleges Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores, among several others, offered brief remarks to explain the unique and exciting collaboration between San Antonio College and the San Antonio Housing Authority. 

“SAC is thrilled to partner with SAHA and Compost Queens on this unique project,” said Dr. Robert Vela, President of San Antonio College. “The William R. Sinkin Eco Centro at San Antonio College was developed out of a HUD grant four years ago, and continues to provide necessary, intentional, and educational programming and outreach to inform our community about environmental sustainability.” He continued, “this urban farm project aligns with our overall mission to give back and to help cultivate stronger, healthier communities for all.”  

The Urban Farm is a component of SAHA’s Choice Neighborhoods Critical Community Initiatives plan funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.

SAC’s Sinkin Eco Centro will manage the farm in collaboration with Compost Queens, creating opportunities for community involvement and volunteerism, providing education, resources and fresh produce. The farm will support healthy initiatives, community gardeners and urban agricultural research. It will include crops, a medicinal garden, pollinator gardens, a chicken coup, a picnic area and more. 

“Today, we celebrate a community resource that will address food insecurity and provide educational opportunities to help residents learn about healthy choices,” said David Nisivoccia, SAHA President and CEO.

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