Rustic Roots Sanctuary in North St. Louis County is taking an exciting leap forward. This nonprofit community farm has just secured nearly $1 million in funding to tackle food insecurity and expand its reach.
Founded in 2020 by Janett Lewis, Rustic Roots started as a small garden in her front yard. Janett welcomed neighbors to help, turning the garden into a gathering place where people connected over fresh veggies. Now, the 16-acre sanctuary grows organic produce year-round, trains new farmers, and runs the Spanish Lake Farmers Market, linking local growers directly with the community.
The new funding includes a notable $724,000 grant from Missouri’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, part of a $6.9 million initiative aimed at strengthening local food chains. Rustic Roots was lucky to be one of the few selected for this grant, a testament to its impactful work.
The support doesn’t stop there. An additional $241,000 comes from the Missouri Foundation for Health’s Food Justice Initiative launched in 2023, aiming to address the root causes of food insecurity statewide.
Janett sees this funding as a blessing for the community. “It allows us to efficiently wash, store, and package our food right here in Spanish Lake,” she says. This investment will enhance farm facilities, create jobs, and promote a shared-use space for local food production.
More than just a farm, Rustic Roots is about community. Janett believes strong local farms can provide the tools and knowledge residents need to feed themselves and their families sustainably. “We want to empower North St. Louis County residents to reclaim their food security,” she adds.
For Janett, farming runs in her blood. Growing up, her father and grandfather worked a family farm in Georgia. She emphasizes the power of local food cultivation, especially for Black and brown communities. Many don’t realize the savings and health benefits of growing their own food. “When residents understand this, they can teach those around them,” Janett explains.
St. Louis County Councilwoman Shalonda Webb praised the funding, calling it essential for North County. She noted it supports sustainable food practices while addressing food apartheid in the region.
Since its establishment, Rustic Roots has distributed over 50,000 pounds of fresh produce, often at no cost to families in need. It also hosts community wellness programs and educational events, making it a vital resource for local residents like Deborah Hughey, who stresses the need for accessible healthy food.
With the new grant, Rustic Roots plans to launch a shared-use facility, which will give local farmers tools to increase their output. This cold storage and processing space will help prevent waste and create new ways for farmers to earn income while providing fresh food to the community.
Nutritional access is crucial, especially in areas with high rates of diabetes and limited food options. Necole Cheung, executive director of the Christian Hospital Foundation, highlights the partnership’s importance in empowering residents to take charge of their health through proper nutrition.
Community members are invited to celebrate these advancements on August 22 at Christian Hospital. The event will feature a short film about Rustic Roots, a panel with local leaders, and a delicious tasting session of farm-fresh produce.
At Rustic Roots, farming isn’t just about food; it’s about fostering a connected, empowered community ready to take charge of its future.
