Virginia Film Festival

Lacking access to affordable produce, North Charleston resident, activist, and mother Germaine Jenkins lives in a food desert. For decades, her community has been ravaged by the racial and social inequalities exacerbated by this food crisis. In 2014, she convinced the City Council to lease her a sliver of land so she could grow food and start a grocery store, Farm Fresh Food. Director Bridget Besaw highlights Jenkins’ efforts to build an urban cooperative farm and, after her lease ends, to own the land.

She battles government officials and faces her own health struggles as she leads and inspires local activism. The film ignites a powerful dialogue about the threats of food insecurity and its intersection with the history of racism and economic inequality in the American South. Motivated by the past, Germaine looks forward with an unwavering commitment to building a better future for her family and ensure food justice for all.

Discussion with producer Lauren Waring Douglas, moderated by Andrea Trimble (UVA).
Introduction by Dr. Tracy Downs (UVA Health).

This film is part of the Nature and Environment Series presented by Southern Environmental Law Center. This film is also supported by the Minority Business Alliance of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Closed Captions are available for this screening and assistive devices are available upon request. The on stage presentations will include ASL interpretation. For more information or to request an accommodation, visit VAFF Accessibility.