327. Urban Farming for Food Justice: Devon Wilson on Sunlight Gardens

How can urban farming transform communities and increase access to fresh, local food? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we’re joined by Devon Wilson, founder and farmer of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Devon started Sunlight Gardens to increase access to fresh, local food and inspire the next generation of farmers through their fresh corner store, community events, and Farm Squad youth program. Devon’s passion for food justice stems from personal experience—witnessing multiple family members struggle with diet-related illnesses. Now, he’s working toward equitable food systems and sustainable change by bringing fresh produce to his community. Tune in to hear how Devon and his team built Sunlight Gardens from the ground up and what’s next for this thriving urban farm!   Episode Highlights: Getting Started: How did Devon get into farming? [1:33] Land Access: How did Sunlight Gardens acquire its current property? [5:05] Fresh Corner Store: How did Farmacy come to be, and what do they offer? [14:08] Global Insights: What did Devon learn from his fellowship in Japan? [27:56] Farming in Japan: How is agriculture evolving, and what’s changing for the better? [38:45] Looking Ahead: What’s Devon’s vision for the future of Sunlight Gardens? [42:47] New Farmers: What advice does Devon have for aspiring farmers? [46:29] Don’t miss this episode to hear how Devon is building a thriving urban farm and inspiring the next generation of farmers!   About the Guest: Devon Wilson is the founder and CEO of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Sunlight Gardens’ mission is to increase access to local food and inspire future farmers. The farm features a fresh corner store (Farmacy), six hoop houses, a composting area, an event venue, and a fruit orchard. Through partnerships with local businesses and institutions, Devon and his team are making eating locally fun and accessible.   📲 Connect with Sunlight Gardens: 🌎 Website: Sunlight Gardens 📸 Instagram: Follow @farmervon_ 👍🏼 Facebook: Like Sunlight Gardens   The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, Real Organic Project.    Are you an organic farmer looking to communicate the premium quality of your milk, meat, fruits, veggies, or CSA shares to shoppers? Through a no-cost, add-on certification to USDA certified-organic, Real Organic Project aims to bring organic back to its high-integrity roots, prioritizing healthy soil, humane treatment of animals, labor protections and a more regionally based agriculture for community well-being. The application deadline is coming up on Tuesday, April 15th. Visit https://realorganicproject.org/apply to submit an application and join the movement today! All applications received by April 15th are guaranteed a 2025 inspection. 👉Visit https://realorganicproject.org/apply to apply today!