City Slicker Farms

By Food Justice Allies Pia Greig and Sarah Holle

With a deep background in the culinary arts, West Oakland resident Edith Finch was excited to create her own ‘garden to table’ experience when she first heard about City Slicker Farms' Backyard Garden Program. Prior to receiving their garden beds, Edith and her husband Bruce didn't have much experience in growing their own food, but they were eager to learn after a friend told them about the program. Now, nearly five years later, their garden is flourishing!

Not only is Edith expanding her own cooking skills from the opportunity to grow unique produce that otherwise may not be accessible, but she enjoys teaching her kids, grandkids and even the builders working on her house how to cook with it, as well as sharing the plethora of produce with her neighbors.

Her love and great curiosity for new flavors came from her father, a merchant seaman, who would bring back exotic tastes from his time in Asia. Her involvement with the Backyard Garden Program has allowed her to access a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, gain knowledge about identification of plants, how to care for them through their pests and diseases, and engage with other gardeners. It has been economically beneficial and has given her family easy access to healthy food.

With her grandkids now following her around the garden, and the neighbors combining their yards to create a community garden, Edith takes advantage of every opportunity she can to engage with those around her and connect them through fresh healthy food. Edith loves being a part of her community and loyally volunteers at the Alameda Food Bank along with cooking food in her home for her neighbors, including those who are homeless.