ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama A&M University (AAMU) and the Madison County Commission are in the fight to address food insecurity in Madison County. AAMU and the commission signed a five-year agreement to establish a community farm near the university’s campus that will strengthen research and local food systems.

AAMU designated campus property near or adjacent to Meridian Street in Huntsville, Alabama for the farm. The Madison County Commission, under the leadership of District 6 Commissioner Violet Edwards, will manage daily operations with help from campus units such as the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

“This has been 40 years in the making, and I am excited to see it come to fruition,” Edwards said. “It makes sense that the county and the university work together to maximize investments already made and create a mutually beneficial program for the community, the university and the students, while addressing the lack of fresh, affordable produce in north Huntsville.”

Extension’s Role

In the initial stage, Alabama Extension will assist with signage, soil sampling and analysis, produce selection and pest control. In addition, Extension will help harvest produce and deliver food safety and nutrition education to the public.

“AAMU, including Alabama Extension, looks forward to working with Commissioner Edwards to tackle the rising food insecurity issues in this area,” said Majed El-Dweik, the Alabama Extension interim 1890 administrator and AAMU’s vice president of research and economic development.

Food Insecurity

According to Hunger Free America, food insecurity in Alabama grew more than 44% between 2021 and 2023. This means that nearly 500,000 Alabamians — including children and older adults — experience hunger, and at least 12% of residents regularly experience hunger. Initiatives like the Madison County community farm will help to change those odds in Alabama.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this initiative, contact Jason Andra, Madison County Commission District 6’s harvest manager, at 256-532-1505 or jandra@madisoncountyal.gov. You can also contact Dweik at 256-372-7010 or majed.dweik@aamu.edu.