Community Initiatives and Urban Farming

Bonton Farms is a transformative initiative in South Dallas addressing systemic issues like poverty, health, and incarceration through a holistic approach. By providing jobs, fresh food, housing, and education, the farm empowers individuals and fosters community growth. Personal stories highlight the impact of these efforts, showcasing resilience and transformation. The vision is to normalize communities like Bonton, shifting focus from reactive to proactive solutions. Bonton Farms exemplifies social entrepreneurship, encouraging broader engagement in community-driven change.

What is the primary focus of the farm in the South side of Dallas?

• To create a tourist attraction

• To provide a holistic solution to community issues

• To compete with other local farms

• To export food internationally

What percentage of families in the South side of Dallas are single-parent households?

• 95%

• 75%

• 100%

• 50%

What additional factors, besides jobs, were identified as crucial for community improvement?

• Tourism and hospitality

• Fresh food, transportation, and housing

• Entertainment and sports

• Technology and innovation

What was the initial challenge faced by the farm regarding city ordinances?

• Insufficient labor

• Prohibition of market gardens

• Poor soil quality

• Lack of funding

How did the farm address the issue of housing for its interns?

• Building new apartments

• Renting commercial spaces

• Providing tents

• Buying defaulted houses

What is a common theme in the growth of the farm?

• Avoiding challenges

• Growing through failure

• Instant success

• Success without failure

What personal change did Patrick experience through his involvement with the farm?

• He moved to another city

• He started a new business

• He became a famous chef

• He found peace and purpose

What is the long-term vision for communities like Bonton?

• To become tourist destinations

• To normalize and thrive

• To be replaced by new developments

• To remain unchanged

How large is the urban farm in Dallas?

• 10 acres

• 60 acres

• 25 acres

• 42 acres

What is the ultimate goal of the farm's initiatives?

• To create more homeless shelters

• To increase city taxes

• To build more prisons

• To provide upstream solutions