Urban farming creates the opportunities for local residents to capture the value of neighborhood land by eating locally-produced food, teaching young people about food systems, and moving vacant land into productive use that is visible and potentially job-creating. CEDAM members are working with residents to establish community gardens and operate small-scale farmers markets where residents can purchase the products of these efforts and attract visitors and new potential homebuyers to their neighborhoods.

CEDAM partner The Greening of Detroit operates its collaborative Garden Resource Program to provide residents and community groups with training, tools, and materials to start and manage sustainable community gardens.

CEDAM members Venture Inc and Lighthouse CDC collaborate through the Pontiac Urban Garden Explosion to bring community gardens to the Pontiac area. The program supports three garden sites and also teaches youth about nutrition, gardening, and business skills.

Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing was one of the first in the state to have a farmers market that accepts Electronic Bridge Cards and WIC.

The Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation operates a farmers market in northwest Detroit on Thursday evenings during planting season as a way to promote the neighborhood and family-friendly communities.