Coppin State University Sows Seeds of Change: Cultivating Food Justice and Community Health with Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Conference
BALTIMORE – Coppin State University is taking its partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Conference (MABFC) to the next level, championing food justice, economic empowerment, and community health in Baltimore and beyond. This year’s conference, themed “Farming Forward,” transforms Coppin State’s campus into a hub for innovation, learning, and community impact.
"Coppin State University is more than a host; we are a proud partner in the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Conference," said Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, President of Coppin State University. "This year, we are laser-focused on building a food system that serves everyone. The conference and its HBCU Farmers Market on campus are a perfect example of our commitment to community well-being and addressing health disparities right here in Baltimore."
A Public Health Imperative
This partnership is a cornerstone of Coppin's public health mission. Dr. Yolanda Savoy, Interim Chairperson of the Department of Health Sciences at Coppin State University, emphasizes the connection between this initiative and the university's core academic goals. "Our students are learning that food is medicine, and that a lack of access to healthy, affordable food is a public health crisis," Dr. Savoy explains. "This partnership provides a living laboratory for our students, connecting them directly with the farmers who are fighting on the front lines to create a healthier food supply. It is a powerful lesson in how community engagement can directly impact health outcomes and address long-standing health disparities in Baltimore."
A Farmer's Perspective: Rooted in Community
The conference's success is built on the shared vision of its partners, especially the farmers themselves. "Working with Coppin is about more than just a place to sell our produce," said Thelonius Cook, President of MABFC and member of Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest, "It is about reconnecting with our Black led institutions to reinforce culture, land stewardship, education and collaboration. When we bring our harvest to campus, we are not just selling food; we are sharing our stories, our heritage, and the importance of owning our land and our narrative. This partnership helps us reach new customers and inspire a new generation to see farming not just as a job, but as an act of legacy and self-determination."
Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders: A Holistic Approach to Community Impact
Coppin State's role extends far beyond providing a venue. The university is actively integrating the conference into its academic mission, connecting students with dedicated farmers, agricultural experts, policymakers, and community advocates. This unique opportunity helps to cultivate the next generation of leaders who deeply understand the vital link between food access, social justice, and public health outcomes – critical issues facing Baltimore's neighborhoods.
Through this partnership, Coppin State is working to:
Empower Local Economies: By amplifying the voices and products of Black farmers, Coppin State directly supports local and regional Black-led agriculture, fostering cooperative economics and building resilient supply chains.
Combat Food Deserts in Baltimore: The conference directly addresses health disparities by championing equitable food access. The HBCU Farmers Market, hosted directly on Coppin’s campus, provides fresh, healthy, and affordable produce, making it accessible to students and the surrounding Baltimore community, many of whom live in areas with limited access to nutritious food.
Inspire Future Innovators: Students gain invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities, sparking interest in agricultural sciences, food policy, entrepreneurship, and public health – fields crucial for creating sustainable change.
The event brings together a diverse and influential group of participants, including farmers, cutting-edge researchers, impactful policymakers, renowned chefs, enthusiastic students, and dedicated community leaders. Designed as a comprehensive and immersive experience, the conference features distinct events and activities each day, ensuring rich engagement for all attendees.
Coppin State University invites students, faculty and the Baltimore community to join us in this transformative partnership, as we work together to build a healthier, more equitable future, one harvest at a time. For more information and to register now visit zsus.top/farmers.
Note: Media with questions or interested in covering 2nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Conference are encouraged to reach out to Public Relations Specialist, CherRae Dickerson, at 410.951.6548 or cdickerson@coppin.edu.
