Wouldn’t it be great to
have someplace where everyone can meet, learn and grow together?
We know how hard it can be to find good quality produce in southeast Fort Wayne.
If you’re like us, you want the best for your family, and you’re concerned about healthy food for them. What’s more, you want a safe place for them to grow up in - you want a neighborhood who knows and cares for each other.
We get it. We want those things too.
What’s why the City of Fort Wayne and Purdue Extension is collaborating on an urban farm that’s like none other. Johnnie Mae Farm was designed to be a community gathering place where neighbors can meet, get to know each other and learn. It is also a farm where fresh, organically grown produce, that’s culturally relevant and delicious, is available for purchase at the weekly farm market.
With it’s commercial quality kitchen and sprawling farm grounds Johnnie Mae Farm is a perfect place for educational and fun events too.
The farm is located in the heart of the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood and the farm market is open to all. No eligibility requirements or restrictions.
History of the Farm
In 2015, The City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services completed the historic renovation of former fire station #9 and equipped it with a state-of-the-art commercial grade kitchen.
That same year farming started on the vacant residential lots behind the fire station and we have been working to distribute fresh produce and education to local residents ever since.
The farm is named after long-time neighborhood advocate Johnnie Mae White. A woman of great courage, strong faith, and a belief in helping others. Johnnie Mae was a true servant leader who dedicated herself to the service of others and enriching their lives as she supported the needs of the community.
In 2018 Purdue Extension was contracted by the City of Fort Wayne to manage operations of the farm and its programming. Their expertise in agriculture and community development is building Johnnie Mae Farm into a community gathering point and beacon for urban agriculture in the mid-west.