To create access to fresh, organic, locally grown food in Opportunity/Promise zones To teach sustainability through agricultural education and career development To help heal individuals and communities through holistic health, and To put power in the hands of local farmers and communities. We started by the demo of a problem property and worked very hard with the community to create a community garden. We acquired grants through Gateway Greening for the initial setup/ garden installation. We grew to 30 community members and spread the word through online marketing efforts. Now that has expanded into a larger farm called Rustic Roots Sanctuary obtaining 501(c)(3) status. Rustic Roots Sanctuary is a non-profit 501(c)3 in St Louis MO. It's a sustainable retreat with programs focusing on growing food | urban homesteading | urban farming | organic gardening | permaculture | pollinators | goats | chickens | composting | hugelkultur | community garden and so much more. We invite you to come along this journey with us and learn how to live a life more aligned with nature. We will share our successes, challenges, ideas and obstacles. Come GROW with us!