THIRTY YEARS AGO, Urban Harvest – what some Houstonians think of as our awesome farmers market – was founded on the belief that people can feed and revitalize their communities by growing healthy food. This core tenant led to the creation of one of the largest networks of community gardens in the United States to address vital issues like hunger, health, community development, and ecological land management.

During the coming weeks and months, Urban Harvest will be celebrating not only the 20th anniversary of its Farmers Market, but also 30 years as a Houston non-profit. In recognition of the impact Urban Harvest has made, the organization has launched the Terry Hershey Giving Society Endowment, which will provide long-term support in continuing to achieve its mission of enriching the Houston community through food. Terry Hershey is one of the founding members of Urban Harvest and a well-known conservationist from Houston.

Bob Randall, a founding member of Urban Harvest and the organization’s first executive director, shared the following reflection: “When I ran into permaculture in the late ’70s, they were talking about how to use ecology to create a sustainable society. So, we started using it and most of everything is what ended up being Urban Harvest today. There are so many people who put huge numbers of hours into this. It is amazing what people can do when they work together to produce knowledge, food, and environmental sustainability.”

Artisan breads at the farmers market

Farm-grown radishes

Urban Harvest has planned a robust schedule of programming to celebrate Houston’s food and agriculture community. Mark your calendars for the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Urban Harvest Saturday Farmers Market on March 23, followed by the Secret Supper on April 4. Anticipate a Farmers Market Food Demo Series, a Sunday Supper Nov. 3, the annual Community Garden Harvest Celebration, and its annual Women in Agriculture Conference. Dates to be announced.

The popular and sprawling Urban Harvest Farmers Market on Buffalo Speedway is in full swing every Saturday from 8am-12pm. Bring your tote bag for seasonal tomatoes, squash, beets, peppers, green beans, and more, plus artisan vendor fresh baked breads, fresh flowers, homemade condiments and hot foods. The Northeast Community Farmers Market takes place the first and third Saturdays of the month at LBJ Hospital Community Farm featuring drive-through service (9am-12pm).

Every year the small but mighty organization serves more than 45,000 farmers market patrons, 100 small food businesses, and nearly 5,000 students and teachers in socially vulnerable areas.

Additionally, Urban Harvest aids more than 1,000 Mobile Market customers mostly from underserved neighborhoods and educates around 900 individuals who participate in year-round organic gardening classes.