Hillside Farm

Hillside Farm, originally envisioned by a former Green Team youth and community resident, is Groundwork RVA’s community farm in Hillside Court, a legacy public housing community in Southside Richmond. Together with residents, we are transforming underused land into a place for fresh food, youth leadership, and multi-generational connection.

Where We Grow

Hillside Court sits in the heart of a food desert, where the long-term effects of racism show up clearly in the built environment, disinvestment, and health outcomes. Many families face high food and living costs, with limited access to fresh produce close to home.

Hillside Farm is one way neighbors are changing that story. The farm is located inside the community, so residents can walk over with their kids, pick up produce, and see young people they know leading the work.

What Happens at Hillside Farm

Youth Farm Team

Our Farm Team is a paid leadership program for neighborhood youth. Farm Team members:

• Work scheduled hours during the growing season

• Learn skills in soil health, planting, harvesting, and basic farm entrepreneurship

• Help lead farm tours, produce distributions, and community events

For many youth, this is a first job and a first step toward green careers.

Parent Cafes and Family Gatherings

Each month, we host Parent Cafes and other structured gatherings at the farm where:

• Parents and caregivers share a meal with their children

• Families talk about what they are experiencing and what they need

• Staff and youth share program updates and gather feedback

These Cafes strengthen our multi-generational approach to youth development and environmental stewardship. They help families see the farm as their space, not just our program.

Community Events and Volunteer Days

Throughout the year, Hillside Farm also hosts:

• Seasonal community events for neighborhood youth and families

• Volunteer days for individuals, corporate groups, and community partners

• Hands-on learning activities focused on food, climate resilience, and caring for the land

These events bring extra hands to the farm and deepen connections among neighbors, partners, and youth.

Building Resilience

With support from the Virginia Environmental Endowment, we are adding:

• An outdoor classroom that gives youth and families a dedicated space for workshops, Parent Cafes, and farm lessons

• Additional stormwater management features that reduce flooding, protect the site, and serve as real-world learning tools about climate resilience

These improvements help us keep the farm productive, safe, and welcoming while also teaching practical solutions to environmental challenges.

Why It Matters

Hillside Farm is more than a garden. It is:

• A reliable source of healthy food in a community with limited options

• A first job and leadership pathway for youth

• A gathering space where parents, caregivers, and young people shape solutions together

• A living classroom for climate resilience and environmental justice

When you support Hillside Farm, you are investing in youth, families, and a more just and resilient Richmond.

How You Can Get Involved

For neighbors

• Visit the farm during events or distributions

• Join a Parent Cafe or family gathering

• Encourage young people to explore Farm Team opportunities

For partners and volunteers

• Volunteer with your company, school, or community group

• Partner with us on workshops, resources, or events at the farm

For donors

• Make a gift to sustain youth stipends, staff support, and Farm materials

• Sponsor a season of Parent Cafes or a special community event

• Invest in our long-term vision to bring this model to other public housing communities

If you are interested in supporting Hillside Farm or bringing this work to another neighborhood, please reach out to our team.

Our farm programs are made possible with support from the Robin's Foundation, Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, and donors like you.