SDSU Mission Valley partners with MAKE Projects to launch MAKE Farm, allowing for community supported agriculture

An urban farm at SDSU Mission Valley, next to the remodeled trolley plaza, cultivates a partnership between SDSU and MAKE Projects, which offers job readiness training for refugee and immigrant women

By Ryan Brothers

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

MAKE Farm’s CSA program trains participants in agriculture, job skills, and English for career growth.

Situated next to the remodeled trolley plaza at SDSU Mission Valley, an urban farm is the basis of a growing partnership between San Diego State University and MAKE Projects, a local nonprofit committed to providing job readiness training for refugee and immigrant women.

MAKE Farm at SDSU Mission Valley, a 7,500-square foot vegetable farm and educational garden, serves as the cornerstone of MAKE Projects' Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This collaboration introduces sustainable farming that directly connects local growers and community members.

What is CSA?

CSA is a farming model where community members invest in a farm's operations by purchasing seasonal shares of its produce. This arrangement fosters a direct relationship between farmers and consumers, promoting local, sustainable agriculture and ensuring the freshest seasonal produce is delivered straight to members.

At MAKE Farm, the CSA program goes beyond traditional agriculture by serving as a unique training site that equips trainees with transferable job skills and builds their confidence in English-speaking environments, essential for career growth.

Expanding the Impact of MAKE Farm and CSA

In addition to the CSA program, the MAKE Farm supports private events catered by MAKE Café, the organization’s North Park-based job training restaurant. This dual focus on agriculture and culinary arts has had a profound impact: in 2024 alone, the farm and restaurant supported 75 low-income refugee and immigrant individuals, offering over 5,000 hours of paid job training.

“We’re really excited about what we’re building here at SDSU Mission Valley,” said Anchi Mei, Executive Director of MAKE Projects. “Through this outdoor garden, we can educate San Diegans about vibrant, ecological landscapes that foster healthy, productive communities in urban San Diego.”

Educational Opportunities for SDSU Students

The partnership also provides SDSU students interested in sustainable agriculture and green practices with unique learning opportunities. Students can volunteer at MAKE Farm, where they gain hands-on experience in urban farming, sustainable crop management, and CSA operations. These experiences help students understand the critical role agriculture plays in addressing social challenges and advancing economic mobility.

A Partnership Rooted in Growth and Community

This collaboration between SDSU Mission Valley and MAKE Projects models how local partnerships can foster pathways to economic self-sufficiency while promoting sustainable agriculture. MAKE Farm offers the San Diego community an opportunity to engage with fresh, locally grown produce while supporting a growing network of learners, professionals, and families.