As food prices rise, health disparities widen, and environmental challenges grow, food sovereignty has become a necessity, not a luxury. That’s why AfriThrive launched the Grow With Us campaign on Earth Day, April 22. This grassroots initiative combines community farming, sustainability education, and a powerful call to action for food equity.
We sat down with Henrietta Isaboke, AfriThrive’s Director of Agricultural Programs, to talk about the roots of the campaign, the power of tomatoes, and how growing food can help grow a movement.
Q: What inspired the Grow With Us campaign?
Henrietta: At its core, Grow With Us is a grassroots fundraising campaign. It brings people together around something tangible—learning to grow food while giving back. Whether you’re planting a tomato or donating $10, your participation helps nourish our community and strengthen our programs.
Q: Why tomatoes?
Henrietta: Tomatoes are easy for beginners and incredibly productive. With the right care, a single plant can yield up to 20 pounds of fruit in one season. Our free growing guide shows exactly how to do that.
Q: Really? One plant, 20 pounds?
Henrietta: Yes! But you need to care for it, feed it, and make sure it gets sun and water. It’s like anything in life. If you nurture it, it thrives.
Q: Do you need fertilizers?
Henrietta: Not at all. You can compost food scraps right at home. Throw them on your plant or let them decompose separately. We encourage people to skip artificial fertilizers and grow organically.
Q: Why link gardening with fundraising?
Henrietta: Gardening reflects the same values as giving: care, connection, and hope. Grow With Us allows people to invest in AfriThrive’s mission while developing skills in organic gardening and healthy eating. The funds we raise are allocated directly to our cultural farm and food distribution programs, ensuring that families, regardless of their income, have access to fresh, organic, and culturally relevant food.
Q: Why involve the whole family?
Henrietta: Because food is about legacy. Many kids today don’t know where their food comes from. That disconnect is dangerous. When families grow food together, kids learn self-reliance, sustainability, and healthy habits. They also learn that they can be part of the solution.
Q: Why launch the campaign on Earth Day?
Henrietta: Earth Day reminds us that we only get one Earth. Planting food at home reduces carbon emissions, cuts down waste through composting, and even purifies the air. Every seed is an act of care for your health and the planet.
Q: What if someone doesn’t have a garden?
Henrietta: No problem! Tomatoes grow beautifully in containers on balconies, windowsills, or even fire escapes. You just need a pot, soil, water, and sunlight. The campaign is about adaptability and using what you have.
Q: How can someone get involved?
Henrietta: Easy. You can:
Donate on our website to help us expand our programs.
Grow with us by emailing [email protected] to request free tomato seeds and a grow bag.
Download our growing guide at www.afrithrive.org and follow along.
Share your growing journey on social media using #GrowWithAfriThrive.
Final Thought
Grow With Us is about planting seeds of health, heritage, and hope. Whether you’re digging in the dirt or donating online, you’re helping us create a more sustainable and connected future – one tomato at a time.
Learn more and get started at: www.afrithrive.org
Follow us: @AfriThrive
Contact: [email protected] | 240-706-1517
Hashtag: #GrowWithAfriThrive
