The work of growing an equitable future where everyone can access fresh fruits and vegetables requires significant collaboration. Between growing the produce, sourcing the materials and getting the final product to the people who need it, there is a lot to be done.
That’s where Deeply Rooted Produce, Deeply Rooted Gardens, and their partnership with DTE comes in.
Deeply Rooted Gardens Inc. is a revolutionary program that supports more than 2,000 farmers in Detroit as they grow fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution through its sister organization Deeply Rooted Produce, Detroit’s first zero waste mobile grocery store. With their community supported agriculture boxes, farm stands and grocery vending machines they increase access to local produce in innovative ways without sacrificing quality of those groceries. Its partnership with our company began when Christy Clark, director of Environmental Sustainability, met DRP founder Dazmonique Carr and began to explore ways DTE could get involved. For the environmental team at DTE, it was a natural fit.
“At DTE, we believe in supporting the communities we serve. We also believe in supporting and protecting biodiversity. Partnering with Deeply Rooted and providing the materials they need to grow their business of urban farming by repurposing items we no longer need – like cable reels, wood pallets, wood chips, and utility poles – aligns with both of those,” Christy said. “We are excited and proud to contribute to the Deeply Rooted mission and can’t wait to see how they continue to grow.”
It wasn’t long before the teams worked together to find a way for DTE to be a part of the program and, in December, members of our environmental team delivered pallets and spools DTE no longer needed to help with the setup of things like irrigation at some of the farms.
“It took less than a week to really make that first delivery happen,” said Jeff Sobiechowski, facilities director. “We had an immediate connection, they said, ‘we want this product that you guys have’ and we were able to get it done quickly.”
One farmer was on hand to receive the first delivery, ready to put the materials to work.
“I’m going to put water containers on top of the pallets so the gravity will drain the water out through hoses,” said Donnie Jones, a Detroit farmer associated with Deeply Rooted Gardens. His set up spans several lots, including on either side of a road, making irrigation a challenge for him and other farmers he trains. “It’s an obstacle watering on the other side of the street. The hoses get run over and get torn up.”
It’s an opportunity that helps everyone on both sides.
“Now we’re not disposing of this material,” said Kailyn Johnson, principal development project manager on the renewable energy development team. “And it’s not just accumulating. It’s supporting a great venture for Detroit and the 2000 farmers associated with Deeply Rooted Gardens.”
While the partnership is still in its infancy, it’s one the environmental team expects to grow as Deeply Rooted Gardens, Deeply Rooted Produce and DTE both explore what could be possible when working together.
“We don’t want to just offload things because we have them,” said Jeff. “It needs to be selective, and it looks like there is a big population that can utilize some of what we have for the good of the community.”
For the farmers of Deeply Rooted, it’s all in service of work that is close to their hearts and for the betterment of the community.
“[Farming in Detroit] is clean, it’s all good,” said Donnie. “It means everything. It’s sovereignty.”