About Us

About Us

Pastor Darien Thomas,  - Founder - President
Dr. Harvel Brown - Founder - Vice President
Shirlene Thomas-Moore,  - Founder - Treasurer
Neville Moore,  - Board Member
Clinton Tapper, -Board Member
Dr. MoNique Holland,  - Board Member
Dr. Carol Simmons, - BFC Executive Director

Elmwood Eastwick Empowerment, Inc. (EEE)

Doing Business As: Black Farmers Co-op of Philadelphia

Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Agriculture and Food Justice

Elmwood Eastwick Empowerment, Inc. (EEE), operating as the Black Farmers Co-op of Philadelphia, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agriculture in under-resourced communities. Rooted in Southwest Philadelphia, EEE champions urban farming initiatives, educational programs, and community engagement to foster self-sufficiency and holistic well-being.

We are a dedicated farming organization focused on creating sustainable, community-driven solutions to improve food access, agricultural education, and environmental health. With a strong belief that everyone deserves access to fresh, locally grown food, we work alongside farmers, educators, and community members to build resilient food systems.

Our programs encompass hands-on training in regenerative agriculture, hydroponics, and urban farming, and provide resources for growing food in various environments, from rural farmlands to urban spaces. Through workshops, educational events, and community projects, we empower individuals of all ages with the knowledge and skills to grow their own food, understand the impact of sustainable farming, and contribute to a healthier planet.

By fostering a culture of collaboration, we aim to bridge the gap between communities and their food sources, while promoting practices that support environmental stewardship and long-term agricultural sustainability. Together, we are sowing the seeds for a future where nutritious, responsibly grown food is within reach for all.

Today, African American and people of color consumers do not have access to affordable healthy food.

The problem is compounded further when you combine these challenges with food insecurity. Unfortunately nationwide, about 1 in 8 of your neighbors, go to bed hungry or face food insecurity.

Black Framers Co-Op.org feels it can address these problems by connecting the local and regional black farmers with consumers who want and need fresh, pesticide-free food in their diet.

MISSION

"Our mission is to eliminate food insecurity by empowering communities to grow and access nutritious food through sustainable practices. We educate and inspire individuals in healthy eating, urban and indoor gardening, and the fundamentals of hydroponic farming. By providing resources, hands-on learning, and community support, we cultivate resilience and self-sufficiency, empowering people to create thriving food systems within their own homes and neighborhoods. Together, we’re building a healthier, more equitable future through food."

EMPOWERING FARMERS FOR URBAN FOOD SECURITY. WE CHAMPION SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, PROVIDE FRESH, ORGANIC PRODUCE, AND ADVOCATE FOR HOLISTIC, HEALTHY LIVING. JOIN US IN CULTIVATING A HEALTHIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THROUGH EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

VISION

IN PURSUIT OF A PROGRESSIVE AGRICULTURAL ECOSYSTEM, WE ASPIRE TO ESTABLISH A North american co-op, fostering collaboration among farmers, gardeners, and communities. our vision encompasses the efficient distribution of produce to food-insecure urban areas, creating a harmonious network that resonates across the continent

GOAL

    • - SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

    • - MARKET ACCESS AND VIABILITY

    • - COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

    • - EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

    • - CULTURAL RESPECT AND CELEBRATION

    • - COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

Board Members

Dr. Carol Simmons

Executive Director of the Black Farmers Co-Operative (BFC) Carol Simmons, Ed.D. is a Vegan and she promotes healthy living. Her education includes a Psychology degree, a Master’s, Teaching Certifications, and her Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership,. She has been a Vegan/Plant Based for over 50 years and has owned two vegetarian restaurants. She has a […]

Amanda Ayala, BS, COTA/L, CB

Amanda Ayala, BS, COTA, CB Executive Administrator, The Black Farmers Co-op Co-Founder, Nu Minds Nu Earth, Inc. (501c3) Amanda Ayala is a dedicated and dynamic Executive Administrator for The Black Farmers Co-op, where she passionately supports sustainable agriculture, community empowerment, and the advancement of Black farmers. With a strong commitment to environmental and economic equity, […]

Dr. Harvel Brown

Dr. Harvel Brown – Vice President of Farmer Liaison & Community Development Dr. Harvel Brown was born into a farming family in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He obtained his degree from Temple University after serving in the military for six years.  He has collaborated with USDA in developing new ways of farming based on a Vertical […]

Dr. MoNique Holland

Dr. MoNique Holland: Sound Healing Practitioner and Self-Care Advocate Dr. MoNique is a passionate and skilled sound healing practitioner dedicated to guiding individuals on a transformative journey of self-care and inner harmony. With a deep understanding of the therapeutic power of sound, she creates immersive experiences that promote relaxation, emotional healing, and energetic balance. Her […]