Women in Produce: Founder of KC Black Urban Growers Honored

Why It Matters

The story shows how grassroots urban farming can close food‑desert gaps and highlights the growing influence of women leaders in the produce industry.

Key Takeaways

• Dena Newman founded KC Black Urban Growers in 2013
• Organization now supports about 125 local growers feeding Kansas City
• Growers filled food‑desert gap after east‑side grocery store closure
• Nine women honored by Farm Journal’s Women in Produce award
• Community‑driven model showcases resilient, urban agriculture solutions for local neighborhoods

Summary

Farm Journal’s Women in Produce award this year highlighted Dena Newman, the founder of Kansas City Black Urban Growers, recognizing her leadership in urban agriculture.

Newman launched the collective in 2013 with nine local growers. Today the network supports roughly 125 participants who supply fresh produce across Kansas City, stepping in when a key east‑side grocery store shut down and created a food‑desert.

She recalled the rapid response: “Within a couple of weeks we were able to come up with a plan and figure out how to get this done,” emphasizing the growers’ readiness to fill the gap.

The honor signals broader industry acknowledgment of community‑driven food systems and the rising impact of women entrepreneurs shaping the produce supply chain.