Thursday, September 17, 2009 — South of Ravenwood lies a mysterious plot of farmland that up until a few days ago, had never been used before. This plot of land is so mysterious that residents have come up with names for it: Tumbleweeds, FearFarm, etc. But fear not! This plot of land has been manicured, named, and is now open for a very good cause: donating money to Feeding America, an organization that delivers food to food banks across America, all through the help of people just like you.

So get ready to say hello to Grow Good Farms! Its grand opening will take place next week, thanks to its founder, Giovanna Antonia de Luca. Giovanna is a young entrepreneur that came here from Tuscany, Italy, where she ran an organic farm famous for its olive oil. She has been pen-pals with Siobhan Hidaka, Dojo owner, for years ever since they met in karate camp.

She reminisces, "When Siobhan told me there were acres of unused farmland in Millsberry, I knew it was time to make my dream come true. I wrote to Mayor Wright about my idea and he encouraged me to come make it happen."

And what is that dream?

Giovanna says, "I love to give back to those who are in need. Things grown here can be donated to Feeding America, my favorite cause. And in just a few weeks, citizens can start their own plot right here on this farm and learn how to grow ingredients that can turn into a pizza—my favorite food! Once you make a pizza, General Mills will donate $0.15 or more, depending on your toppings. The more pizzas you make, the more patches you can maintain, and the more money will get donated, up to $6,250 a month. I'm very excited."

Looks like citizens are excited too. They've been counting down the days until they can start gardening and growing food. Ravenwood residents are no longer confused by the tempting delicious smell of pizza traveling through the streets. De Luca says, "We've been testing out the pizzas this week and they're going to be pretty amazing. Everyone that signs up will get the basic patches like tomatoes and wheat, plus a cow they must feed in order to make cheese!"

Is Millsberry ready? Looks like it's too late to pose that question. But are you ready? And do you have a green thumb (an extraordinary ability to grow plants)? If not, get one right here to kick off the inspiration! We'll see you at the farm!