Joppy Momma's Farm

Who we are

Over the past 150 years, the neighborhood Joppa has been filled with a rich history of perseverance and is also the birthplace of Joppy Momma’s Farm (JMF) located near the Great Trinity Forest in South Dallas, Texas. Our team is led by Kimberly High, the Executive Director and generational descendant of Joppa with almost a decade of farming experience. Choosing to forgo retirement in favor of the sweet smell of soil, Kim is now farming on the property of a great-grandmother who was one of the first settlers in the community of Joppa. 

Where we come from

Joppa was founded in 1872 by Freedmen from the Miller Plantation by taking a ferry across the Trinity River upon their emancipation. It went on to become home to an established African-American neighborhood that has grown both in population and rich in culture, from cabins to the foundational barriers of racially biased city planning. These determined families went on to build cabins in clearings with gardens to grow their own food. One hundred and fifty years after its founding, the descendants of these resilient families are now reinvesting into the land and the community with the goal of another 150 years filled with nourishment and celebration. 

Where we are going

The raised garden beds have been built and cultivated by experienced farmers working on the land their ancestors once considered their own piece of Jerusalem. Since 2021, Joppy Momma's Farm has produced nearly a thousand pounds of fruits, herbs, and vegetables to adequately supply a neighborhood deprived of affordable and healthy food options. This modest farm is connected to an expansive vision that includes a community center to offer job training, employment, community health programs, various educational courses, and a general store with all-natural and handmade goods. 

Let’s go together

Through sustainable agriculture and an invigorated business plan, Joppy Momma’s Farm aspires to regenerate one of Dallas’ oldest Freedmen communities. At the heart of JMF is nourishment- whether it be with food or knowledge and this dedication is at the heart of our Headquarter Expansion Project, a four-phase project that includes:

1. The Joppy Hoop or Greenhouse to help extend the growing season for high-yield crops
2. The Solar Powered Office Space to support our growing team
3. The JMF Learning Center is a flexible space to be used for classroom and a monetized event space
4. The Farm Stand farmer's market 

This half-acre of land is the foundation of the commitment to empower, educate, and develop underserved communities through continuous investment into prosperity and wellness. Our board is advised by professionals at the top of their fields to advise on governance, urban planning, community development, and more.

We are currently raising $25,000 to account for inflation, which has caused a surge in pricing for essential building materials and parts. Like the elders say, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.