Dazmonique Carr is weaving a local food system in the heart of urban Detroit. With Deeply Rooted Produce, she is on a mission to provide nutritious food to her community without sacrificing affordability.
In addition to growing organic fruits and vegetables on a one-acre plot, Carr’s organization acts as a “mobile grocery store” linking BIPOC-owned and operated family farms with the wider Detroit area. After produce has been harvested, Deeply Rooted helps prepare it for the market and distributes it to grocery stores, schools, food pantries, and directly to consumers at farmers’ markets.
Carr’s journey to Deeply Rooted began during her college years as a student facing food insecurity. During that time, she understood how vital nutritious and affordable food is and became passionate about growing it for herself and those in her larger community.
Volunteers play a crucial role at Deeply Rooted. Carr believes that working with the land, in addition to eating locally grown produce, benefits people’s wellness and connection to place.
Deeply Rooted offers a weekly produce box subscription service, and members receive the added benefit of attending a Sunday Dinner program where Carr collaborates with local chefs to incorporate the farm’s surplus produce. Recent menu items have included vegan wingz, vegan mashed potatoes, and vegan cheeze cake. Deeply Rooted ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access their products by accepting SNAP, EBT, and other government-subsidized programming.
After produce has been harvested, Deeply Rooted helps prepare it for the market and distributes it to grocery stores, schools, food pantries, and directly to consumers at farmers’ markets
In addition to providing practical support to farmers, Carr’s website shares updates about laws affecting small farming practices including the Justice for Black Farmers Act. She provides resource guides for those interested in deepening their zero-waste practices. Deeply Rooted also offers in-person educational sessions, most recently about how being with horses can help heal trauma and aid in suicide prevention.
Carr believes that knowing where one’s food comes from helps people form holistic connections with food and those who grow it. When farmers support one another, everyone benefits.