On November 1, 2025, something truly special happened at Asawana Farms.
Our fields — usually filled with the quiet rhythm of planting, compost turning, and harvesting — buzzed with excitement as we welcomed Katherine Braga, Prince George’s County Food Security Program Manager, and Erica Turner, Acting Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services.
Their visit wasn’t just a courtesy call — it was a powerful moment of connection, learning, and shared purpose. They came to see firsthand the innovative ways Asawana Farms is redefining what it means to grow food — not just for nourishment, but for healing.
A Tour Rooted in Innovation
We began our morning walking through the farm’s Urban Farm Incubator, where every corner tells a story.
Katherine and Erica started at our composting site, where we showed how food scraps and organic waste are transformed into nutrient-rich soil — the foundation of everything we grow.
From there, we moved to the seed nursery, a place of quiet magic. Tiny seedlings sprouted in neat rows, each one representing potential: food for a family, medicine for a mother, or a teaching moment for a student or volunteers
As we continued the tour, our guests were particularly fascinated by our container gardens — an initiative designed to show that you don’t need a large piece of land to grow food. Whether it’s a balcony, a patio, or a small backyard, everyone can grow something nourishing. This model is at the heart of our mission to make food growing accessible to all.
Food as Medicine — From Our Farm to the Community
One of the highlights of the visit was the conversation around our “Food as Medicine” initiative. At Asawana Farms, we believe that food isn’t just fuel — it’s medicine, culture, and connection.
Our guests had the chance to taste our signature crop — Bitter Leaf, known for its many health benefits. We shared how it supports detoxification, aids digestion, and has become a staple for those seeking natural wellness.
We also introduced them to Masepo, a medicinal plant cherished for helping to stimulate milk flow in lactating mothers — just one of the many healing crops we nurture. These are not just plants; they are living proof that nature offers the tools we need for community health and vitality.
From Seed to Table – and Back Again
Beyond the tour, the day sparked meaningful dialogue about partnerships, service, and education. Katherine and Erica shared their insights on the county’s ongoing efforts to address food insecurity, and together we explored ways that Asawana Farms can help strengthen those initiatives.
We discussed how Prince George’s County residents could engage with the farm — earning community service hours while learning about urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. This collaboration could empower residents to grow their own food, build new skills, and connect with the land in ways that support both body and mind.
These conversations reminded us that food security isn’t just about access — it’s about education, empowerment, and collaboration.
A Visit that Inspired Us All
What touched us most was Katherine and Erica’s genuine curiosity and appreciation for our work. They asked thoughtful questions, took their time exploring each area of the farm, and expressed deep respect for our approach to sustainable, healing-centered agriculture.
Their visit was more than an acknowledgment — it was a validation. It showed us that what we’re growing here goes far beyond crops. We’re cultivating partnerships, knowledge, and hope for a stronger, healthier community.
As we wrapped up the visit, we stood together by the fields, looking out at rows of green and gold peppers under the sun. There was a shared sense of excitement for what’s next — for the collaborations, the learning opportunities, and the lives that could be touched through this work.
Thank You
To Katherine Braga and Erica Turner — thank you for taking the time to walk our fields, listen to our stories, and share in our vision. Your visit reminded us why we do what we do: to connect people to the healing power of the earth and to build a future where food truly is medicine.
Here at Asawana Farms, we’ll keep nurturing the soil, the seeds, and the partnerships that make that vision a reality.
Because when leaders, farmers, and communities grow together — everyone thrives.