What's Growing at Fred's Urban Farm

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The story of Fred's Urban Farm is one of innovation, resilience, and a passion for fresh, local produce. Established by Robin Kanzius, a former science teacher, and her son Kellen Kanzius, the farm and its renowned farm stand emerged amidst the challenges of the 2020 pandemic.

Planting the seeds

Robin and Kellen's journey began unexpectedly. “When my brother was here, we were looking to start our next journey and decided to visit a microgreens operation at a farmers’ market in Washington,” Robin recalls. This encounter sparked an idea. “We have this beautiful property here,” she thought. Despite their initial lack of farming experience, they devoted themselves to learning everything about growing microgreens. They started small, with only 10 trays in their home closet, and soon realized the potential of their endeavor.

Fast forward to today, their humble beginnings have blossomed into a community-centered business, with their microgreens available in 11 grocery stores across San Diego County. More so, their farm stand has become a Spring Valley attraction.

The power of microgreens

The farmstand’s flagship product, microgreens, is a powerhouse of nutrition. These tiny greens, which fall between a sprout and a baby green, pack an impressive nutritional punch. “A handful of broccoli microgreens is equivalent to the nutritional value of a whole head of broccoli,” Robin explains, underscoring their value in a balanced diet. The farmstand offers a mix of microgreens, including fenugreek, sunflower, radish, kale, and peas, all ideal for enhancing any meal.

Freshness at your fingertips

What sets Fred's Urban Farm apart is its commitment to freshness. "Everything we sell at the farmstand was either harvested or produced that same week," Kellen explains. This emphasis on fresh, locally grown produce ensures that the community receives the highest quality. In contrast to supermarkets where produce travels from hundreds or even thousands of miles away, the food from the farm stand travels from the backyard farm to the front-of-the-yard farmstand and is restocked daily.

Robin adds, “Our top products initially were microgreen salads and mixed green salads, and today, they remain our staple items, complemented by a variety of other fresh produce and local goods.”

One of the conveniences they’ve integrated into their farm stand experience is easy access. “Park across the street and walk over,” Kellen suggests. The farmstand refrigerator is stocked with dry goods and treats, making it simple for customers to find what they need and submit payment next to the refrigerator.

Community connection and reward

Working the land and producing food for their community has been immensely rewarding for Robin and Kellen. They take pride in offering fresh, natural food in an area crowded with fast-food options. Kellen highlights the personal connection they have built with their neighbors: “Most people will never meet a farmer, but through our farmstand, they get to know exactly where their food comes from and who grows it.”

Robin adds that stocking the farm stand has allowed them to meet many neighbors and hear their stories about the positive impact of microgreens on their health.

Upholding quality and managing growth

To ensure their produce remains fresh, they adopt a method of harvesting twice a week and restocking the farmstand daily. “This guarantees that what customers purchase was harvested that week,” Kellen notes. Despite the logistical challenges, this meticulous process has been crucial to maintaining their health standards.

As their farm stand grew, so did their operations. They transitioned from solely using ground crops and selling at farmers’ markets to establishing a farmstand model. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, allowing them to shift focus toward community-oriented services and expand their presence in local stores.

Navigating the farm stand

For those new to the farm stand, Robin and Kellen have designed an easy and convenient shopping experience. Inside, customers will find a variety of goods, including their popular microgreens salad, seasonal vegetables, and locally sourced produce and products. Robin mentions, “We also offer bread from a local vendor, sweet cake snacks, eggs, and more—all to make a complete meal.”

Future expansion

Looking forward, Fred's Urban Farm is set on continuous growth. A recent grant from the Small Business Finance Association (SBFA) will help them expand their farm stand, making it more accessible and a true one-stop shop for wholesome meals. Plans are in place to diversify their vegetable offerings, ensuring even more variety for the community.

Fred's Urban Farm and its farm stand are more than just a business; they represent health, community, and commitment. During a time of global uncertainty, Robin and Kellen’s dedication to fresh, local produce has not only sustained their family to keep growing more but has also become a cornerstone of the San Diego community.

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