SC UpLift + Ashford Family Farms: Reviving Local Food, Honoring Legacy

The SC UpLift and Ashford Family Farms Community Garden is more than just a garden—it's a movement to restore food access, honor Black agricultural heritage, and empower underserved communities in Columbia, SC. This transformative partnership was born from loss but rooted in purpose. When a beloved Black farmer who supplied collard greens and cabbages to the Midlands passed away in March, the community felt the impact immediately. Grocery shelves stayed stocked—but not with the fresh, local, chemical-free produce families trusted.

Dexter Ashford, a next-generation grower and founder of Ashford Family Farms, saw the crisis clearly: “Our farmers are aging out, and no one’s lining up to replace them.” Determined to continue the legacy and prevent food deserts from growing deeper, Dexter joined forces with SC UpLift Community Outreach to launch a solution grounded in sustainability, education, and equity.

Located at 212 Stanford Street in the 29203 ZIP code, where food insecurity affects over 17% of residents and access to grocery stores is limited, the organically managed garden provides fresh, healthy produce using natural methods like neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and organic pest control. Elders like Ms. Jean, a 72-year-old resident, remind us why this work matters: “I haven’t had fresh greens in months. I want to support local farmers—I just need a way to get them.”

And that’s exactly what we’re building.

What's Next: Hydroponic Innovation for Year-Round Food Access

We’re expanding the project to include a cutting-edge hydroponic system that reduces water use by 95% and produces fresh greens year-round without synthetic chemicals. With 10 vertical towers, we will harvest over 500 pounds of collards annually—more than 3,000 servings—feeding up to 250 individuals, including the 24–26 families in SC UpLift’s affordable housing units.

This initiative isn't just growing food—it’s growing hope, health, and heritage.

Your donation supports local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and food justice for families in need. Join us in restoring the land and feeding the people—one collard leaf at a time.

For Your Tax Deductible Contribution Donate Now to SC UpLift!