MSK Food Systems Approach
Fresh Food Systems & Community Impact
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MSK's food systems model integrates urban agriculture, workforce development, and environmental stewardship to address food access at the community level.
This page outlines the data, approach, and measurable outcomes that guide this work.
MSK's Food Systems Approach
MSK's Food Systems Approach
MSK develops community-based food systems through hands-on production, training, and shared access. Food production is integrated with workforce development, education, and environmental stewardship to ensure long-term sustainability.
Urban food production through the Applied Research Urban Farm
Hands-on training in growing and maintaining crops
Integration with workforce development (H2H)
Community distribution and shared access
Food Access & Community Need
Food Access & Community Need
Majority of DC Food Deserts are East of the River
Majority of DC Food Deserts are East of the River
Food Access Drives Health and Economic Outcomes
Food Access Drives Health and Economic Outcomes
Why Food Access Matters
Why Food Access Matters
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Food access disparities in Washington, DC are concentrated east of the Anacostia River, where Ward 7 residents face significantly reduced access to full-service grocery stores and fresh food options.
More than half of Ward 7 is classified as low food access, with fewer grocery stores and limited transportation options compared to other parts of the city.
These conditions are not isolated. They reflect broader patterns of economic disinvestment, infrastructure gaps, and unequal development that continue to shape access to essential resources.
Tulsa, Oklahoma (North Tulsa)
Tulsa, Oklahoma (North Tulsa)
Food access disparities in Washington, DC are concentrated east of the Anacostia River, where Ward 7 residents face significantly reduced access to full-service grocery stores and fresh food options.
More than half of Ward 7 is classified as low food access, with fewer grocery stores and limited transportation options compared to other parts of the city.
These conditions are not isolated. They reflect broader patterns of economic disinvestment, infrastructure gaps, and unequal development that continue to shape access to essential resources.
MSK addresses these challenges by building localized food systems that increase access, strengthen community knowledge, and support long-term sustainability
Food Production & Community Impact
Food Production & Community Impact
MSK’s food production model combines urban agriculture, workforce development, and community distribution to address food access at the local level.
Through its Applied Research Urban Farm, MSK has produced over 6,500 pounds of fresh food, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown within the community.
This food is distributed directly to residents, volunteers, and program participants, increasing access to fresh, locally grown options in areas where access is limited.
In addition to food production, MSK has diverted over 750 pounds of food waste through composting and vermiculture systems, strengthening soil health and reducing environmental impact.
These efforts are integrated with workforce development through Hustlaz 2 Harvesters (H2H), where participants gain hands-on experience in food production, land stewardship, and sustainable systems.
6500+ Pounds Grown
6500+ Pounds Grown
Fresh produce cultivated and distributed within the community
1750+ Pounds Diverted
1750+ Pounds Diverted
Food waste redirected through composting and soil regeneration
Workforce Training Integrated
Workforce Training Integrated
Hands-on training through H2H connecting food systems and employment
How MSK Works
How MSK Works
MSK's model integrates food production, workforce development, and environmental stewardship into a continuous, community-based system.
Grow
MSK cultivates fresh food through urban agiruclture using raised beds, controlled growing environments, and soil-building practices
Train
Participants gain hands-on experience in food production, sustainability, and land stewardship through structured workforce development.
Distribute
Fresh produce is shared directly with residents, volunteers, and program participants, increasing access within the community
Sustain
Composting and vermicultrue systems recycle organix waste, improving soil health and supporting long-term enviornmental resilience.
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