Nourishing the Community, One Harvest at a Time

In the heart of Summerland, a small farm is making a big impact on Santa Barbara County’s food-insecure residents. Sweet Wheel Summerland Farm, operated by the Santa Barbara Agriculture and Farm Education Foundation (SBAFEF), continues to grow its mission of providing clean, chemical-free food to those in need while fostering community engagement and sustainable farming practices.

Founded in response to the 2018 Montecito Debris Flow that left Summerland cut off from food supplies, Sweet Wheel Farms has evolved into a vital resource for the community. The farm stands out as in Santa Barbara County as it uses absolutely no pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers ensuring the purest produce possible for its beneficiaries.

Every week, Sweet Wheel Farms distributes free, organic fruits and vegetables to medically and financially fragile families throughout Santa Barbara County. This “Food is Medicine” approach has become a lifeline for many, including cancer patients and their families who rely on chemical-free, nutrient-rich produce. 

Volunteer Opportunities

The farm is always seeking passionate volunteers to join their mission. Current opportunities include:

1. Healthy Farmed Food Program: Help harvest, package, and deliver fresh produce to those in need in South SB County (every Monday). 

2.Chicken Coop Building: Recent project that volunteers are continuing to  construct.

3. Community Corn Harvest: Mark your calendars for April 5th to participate in this exciting event where Sweet Wheel Farmers will teach you how to harvest the county’s only certified Non GMO (genetically modified) corn. 

4. New Crop Planting: Assist in cultivating and tending to the farm’s diverse array of vegetables and fruits-volunteer availability daily.

Ongoing Developments

Sweet Wheel Farms is continuously improving its infrastructure to enhance productivity and sustainability. Current projects include:

1. Irrigation Upgrades: The farm is hoping to install sophisticated irrigation systems to optimize growth, and water usage; and needs help to match a grant generously supplied by the Ann Jackson Foundation. 

2. Roadway Improvements: Enhancing access and logistics within the farm with oyster shells that will leach calcium-never concrete- into the soil.

3. Eco-Utilities Research: In collaboration with MIT and UCSB scientists, the farm is exploring innovative water solutions. 

4. Pollination: the farm needs pollination for its chemical free crops and is working on a habitat for pollinators. 

Community Impact

The farm’s influence extends beyond food production. It serves as an educational hub, welcoming hundreds of visitors annually to learn about regenerative farming practices and the educational farm tours are no exception.

The recent addition of e-bike deliveries, spearheaded by local high school student Ethan Klawuhn, showcases the farm’s commitment to environmentally friendly solutions. 

Leslie Person Ryan, CEO and founder of Sweet Wheel Farms, emphasizes the importance of community support: “We’re building out a long-term community resource with the farm out and protecting what we have. We have a terrific five-year strategic plan; and it takes community financial support to make it happen.”

As the Sweet Wheel Community Summerland Farm continues to grow, it remains a beacon of hope and health for Santa Barbara County. Through its commitment to clean farming practices and community service, the farm is not just feeding the hungry – it’s nurturing a healthier, more connected community.

To support or volunteer at Sweet Wheel Farms, contact them at sweetwheelfarms@gmail.com or visit www.SBAFEFoundation.com.