Alemany Farm, situated on 3.5 acres near the intersection of Interstate 280 and Alemany Boulevard, provides a staggering 30,000 pounds of free organic produce annually for residents of San Francisco.
The farm operates without the need for IDs, payments, or any questions asked, making it a vital resource for many.
However, this largest urban farm in San Francisco faces the looming threat of shutdown.
For years, Alemany has relied on fragile public grants and the dedication of volunteer labor.
Recent budget constraints forced the farm to pause its paid apprenticeship programs in May and reduce staff hours, prompting the launch of a grassroots campaign aiming to raise $200,000.
As San Francisco grapples with a significant $782 million deficit, programs seen as non-essential, such as Alemany Farm, are at risk.
For the farm’s community, however, the potential loss is a deeply personal issue, affecting food distribution to needy households and the livelihoods of those who work the land.
“Alemany yields 30,000 pounds of organic produce a year,” says co-manager Vanessa Liu, highlighting its critical role in feeding around 700 families each week, many of whom are low-income.
“For a lot of us, this food is survival,” shares one farm assistant who learned about Alemany through a flyer and now relies on its resources.
On a breezy afternoon, Tatiana Vasquez, a farm assistant and resident of the nearby Alemany Apartments, bustled around the farm preparing for a birthday celebration for one of the farm managers.
“Just a few years ago, I didn’t even know this place existed. Now, it’s saved my life,” she reflects on her transformation from a struggling single mother in an abusive relationship to a flourishing community member through her involvement at Alemany.
Starting as an apprentice, Vasquez is now dedicated to teaching others the skills she learned, emphasizing the importance of knowing how to grow food and rebuild one’s life.
On the same day of the birthday celebration, she, along with other volunteers, harvested greens, including chard, kale, and collards, for the Free Farm Stand.
This stand distributes organic produce weekly in Parque Niños Unidos, again at no cost or questions asked, with much of the food sourced directly from Alemany.
Alemany Farm has long depended on various city grants, mainly from departments like S.F. Environment and Human Services Agency.
The land itself is owned by Rec and Park, which provides it rent-free along with essential services like compost and water.
According to John Stokes, a long-standing board member of the farm, around $600,000 annually is necessary to maintain its operations sustainably.
Last year, nearly half of Alemany’s funding was sourced from city resources.
Despite a grant extension of $186,963 from HSA through June 2026, farm organizers express that it’s insufficient.
Recognizing the unpredictability of public support, Alemany is pivoting towards a model emphasizing small, recurring donations from local supporters in a bid to raise $200,000 solely for survival.
Vanessa Liu emphasizes, “We don’t need a bigger vision; we need a structure that supports what’s already working.”
The annual operational budget of $600,000 covers salaries for four staff members, five paid apprentices, basic infrastructure needs, two annual public events, and fees paid to its fiscal sponsor, the Earth Island Institute.
Despite providing support, even funding from the Earth Island Institute now seems precarious, with potential federal cuts to environmental grants looming.
This situation adds strain to many projects, including Alemany Farm, which has made the future of its apprenticeship program uncertain.
Heather Weiss, a dedicated volunteer and former interim director, asserts the importance of being able to compensate apprentices for their work, as many community members cannot afford to work for free.
On a recent Friday, Liu was seen moving briskly between the rows of crops, demonstrating the constant demand for attention in farm operations.
Lunch break offered a brief respite, allowing Liu to reflect on the day’s activities while the vibrant sounds of nature filled the air, a reminder of the farm’s connection to the community.
She shared the moment’s significance by filling a piñata with treats as preparations for the birthday celebration continued in the background.
The history of Alemany Farm is shaped by resilience and community spirit, originally arising from the ashes of a corruption scandal.
After a 2004 city investigation revealed unethical practices involving the San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners, which had managed urban green spaces, funding was cut off, leaving the area abandoned.
This left a void that volunteers, including Antonio Roman-Alcalá, stepped up to fill starting in 2005, reclaiming the neglected land for community use.
Roman-Alcalá recalls the desire not to simply “fix” a neighborhood but to create a space reflective of the community’s needs and aspirations.
This collaborative effort attracted many who now feel a sense of belonging and purpose.
The farm retains its character as one of the few community-driven green spaces in San Francisco, emphasizing organic farming, education, and support.
Harrison Letour, a volunteer who juggles driving for Uber during the week, finds solace at Alemany, appreciating the therapeutic release it offers from the stress of daily life.
“Here, we don’t just grow food,” he points out, “we educate people. We support each other.”
As Alemany Farm faces critical decisions regarding its future, the stories of those it has served remind the community of its invaluable place in San Francisco, echoing the urgent need for sustained support to ensure its survival.
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/05/sf-largest-urban-farm-alemany-risks-shutting-down/
