Urban Farming, Food Sovereignty And Empowering Communities with Nyema Clarck

Dishin' Up Diaspora

What does it mean to truly take control of your food, health, and community? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and passionate Nyema Clark, a leader in urban farming, food sovereignty, and community empowerment. As the founder of Nurturing Roots and Avenue South, Nyema is dedicated to reshaping the way we think about food, access, and wellness—especially in Black and brown communities that have historically faced food apartheid and systemic barriers to healthy eating.
Nyema shares her personal journey from growing up in an environment where fast food and processed meals were the norm to discovering the power of real, whole foods. Without access to nutritional knowledge early in life, she didn’t think much about what was going into her body. But as she started educating herself, she realized that food wasn’t just about filling your stomach—it was about nourishment, healing, and even resistance against systemic inequities. This realization transformed her life and inspired her to help others break free from unhealthy food systems by reclaiming their right to fresh, locally grown food.
Nyema and I dive deep into the importance of food sovereignty—the right for communities to control their own food systems. We discuss how historically marginalized groups, particularly Black and Indigenous communities, have been disconnected from land and food production due to colonization, systemic racism, and economic disparities. Urban farming, Nyema argues, is not just about growing vegetables—it’s about reclaiming autonomy, preserving cultural traditions, and strengthening community resilience.
At Nurturing Roots, Nyema is doing more than just growing food. She’s creating a movement that teaches people to grow their own produce, understand the politics behind food systems, and advocate for better food access policies. She believes that knowledge is power, and once people understand where their food comes from and how it impacts their health, they can make better choices for themselves and their families.
Nyema also shares practical tips for anyone looking to take their first steps toward food sovereignty—whether it’s starting a small garden at home, supporting local urban farms, or making more intentional food choices. She emphasizes that everyone can play a role, no matter where they live or what resources they have available.
We also tackle the topic of food apartheid—a term that more accurately describes the systemic, race-based inequalities in food access. Unlike the term ‘food desert,’ which suggests a natural occurrence, ‘food apartheid’ acknowledges that these disparities are the result of deliberate policies and economic structures that have historically excluded Black and brown communities from fresh, affordable food options.
Her work also highlights the intersection of food justice and environmental sustainability. Urban farming initiatives like hers not only provide fresh, affordable food but also contribute to climate resilience, soil regeneration, and the reduction of food waste. By integrating sustainable farming practices with education and advocacy, she is ensuring that future generations inherit a food system that serves them rather than exploits them.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about urban farming, food as medicine, or how to fight for food justice in your own community, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real solutions. Whether you’re growing your own food, supporting local farms, or simply becoming more conscious of what’s on your plate, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how food connects us all, and how you can be part of the movement toward a healthier, more just food system.

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