Building Bridges in San Francisco: A Journey of Collaboration and Community Part 1
Between June 17th and June 21st I had the pleasure of traveling to San Francisco alongside Fern Holland, HAPA’s Fair & Sustainable Food Systems Director, to engage with community organizations, food systems advocates & pesticide experts.
A highlight for me was connecting with the Filipino Cultural Center and visiting Hummingbird Farm, led by Urban Campesinx's. This visit highlighted our shared commitment to social and economic justice and the power of community-driven initiatives.
Hummingbird Farm: A Hub of Environmental and Social Justice
Hummingbird Farm, nestled in Southeast San Francisco, stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Established in 2017 through a partnership between People Organizing to Demand Environmental and Economic Rights (PODER) and the SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), this urban farm is much more than a source of fresh food. It is a vibrant green space fostering community-building and environmental stewardship.
During our visit, we met Tere, a passionate community advocate, farmer, and leader who tends to the land with dedication and care. Tere shared with us the farm's journey and the impact it has had on the local community. Hummingbird Farm engages over 2,300 participants and 1,000 volunteers annually through a variety of activities, including sunrise ceremonies, gardening workshops, and youth urban farming programs. These initiatives are rooted in traditional ecological knowledge and native habitat restoration, with efforts to save the last remaining grasslands in the San Francisco area (which was once all grasslands) and among this ecological grassland sanctuary is a thoughtful medicinal garden of indigenous herbs and meaningful plantings.
Hummingbird Farm is not only a space for growing food but also a center for promoting environmental justice and innovative water conservation practices. It empowers communities through sustainable land stewardship, highlighting the importance of connecting people to the land and to each other.
To stay updated on our work and upcoming collaborations, follow Hummingbird farms on Instagram at @urbancampesinx. Let's continue to build bridges, support one another, and make a positive impact in our communities.
Strengthening Ties with the Filipino Cultural Center
Our visit also brought us to the Filipino Cultural Center, where we met Katrina, a dedicated leader committed to preserving and promoting Filipino culture in San Francisco. The center serves as a vital cultural hub, offering a range of programs and services that celebrate Filipino heritage and support the local community.
Our conversations with Katrina and Tere revolved around building stronger relationships and finding ways to support each other's work, particularly in the areas of youth engagement, fair and sustainable food systems, and community programming. We left San Francisco inspired by the incredible work being done at Hummingbird Farm and the Filipino Cultural Center, and we are excited to explore future collaborations.
This visit underscored the importance of working together for social and economic justice. As we continue our journey, we remain committed to fostering partnerships that align with our values and organizational goals. Let’s continue to advocate for a healthier, safer world for all of us. Together, we can make a difference.
With gratitude,
About the Author
Nanea Lo, Community Engagement and Administrative Coordinator
Nanea Lo is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu. She is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). Lo's educational expertise is in community planning and urban planning infrastructures. She is also a podcast host for Native Stories.
Lo is a public servant and serves as the Kona representative for the Oʻahu Island Burial Council, a commissioner on the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission, sits on the board of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, newly elected member of the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi Executive Committee, and serves on the grant making committee for Hawaiʻi People’s Fund.
Through civic engagement, podcast hosting, and community organizing, Lo advocates for Hawaiian sovereignty, Aloha 'Āina, and feminism on the national and international scale. She has been a part of innovative local and international education and advocacy programs such as Planned Parenthood “National” Storyteller for the Pacific Northwest and Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-Asia Pacific Leadership Program, Native American Political Leadership Program, Kuleana Academy, Young Pacific Leaders, and Peace Scholars. She believes that relationships are the fabric of life and that Aloha ʻĀina is forever.
