Farmlette Sign Up

Join The Fleet Farming Program!

About Fleet Farming:

Fleet Farming is a bike-pedaled urban agriculture program of the nonprofit IDEAS For Us that empowers all generations to grow food with a goal to increase local food accessibility.

Since 2014, we have converted 176,150 sq ft of lawns into gardens, harvested 17,801 lbs of produce, educated 32,630 volunteers, fed 8,857 locals, and created 48 school gardens. The Fleet Farming program has been featured on NBC Nightly News with Lestor Holt, NPR All Things Considered, GreenPeace Magazine, Modern Farmer Magazine, Now This Media, and more. Fleet Farming has received awards such as the Orange County School Board Certificate of Excellence for creating over 45 edible school gardens in their district as well as being internationally recognized by United Nations Foundation in their American Leadership of the Sustainable Development Goals campaign in 2022.

About IDEAS For Us:

IDEAS For Us is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, accredited by the United Nations, advancing sustainability and environmental awareness through campus and community action. The mission of IDEAS is to develop, fund, and scale solutions to solve the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Since 2008, we have engaged over 100,000 volunteers worldwide, planted more than 73,886 trees, planted 13,000 shoreline plants, created 68 school gardens internationally, and have taken action in more than 40 countries worldwide. Our projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) created by the United Nations to advance sustainability worldwide.

The Problem:

Our current food system is full of inefficiencies, many of which stem from fossil fuel use during food production and transportation. The typical American meal travels an average of 1,500 miles from farm to table. In the US, we expend ten calories of fossil fuel energy in the atmosphere for every calorie of food we consume due to the transportation of the produce. Meanwhile, lawns are one of the largest sources of U.S. pollution. There are 40-million acres of grass lawns in America that absorb three million tons of chemical fertilizers and 30-thousand tons of pesticides each year while requiring 800 million gallons of gasoline for mowing. Such ecological impacts underscore the urgency to revolutionize our food system and embrace more sustainable alternatives, ones that prioritize local food production and empower communities to achieve food sovereignty.

The Solution:

By reducing the distance food travels from farm to table, the program minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation and reduces reliance on distant supply chains. This localization of food systems enables communities to have a say in what they grow, what they eat, and how food is distributed within their regions, reinforcing their autonomy and control over their food resources. Ultimately, Fleet Farming’s community-driven model fosters a sense of empowerment and self-determination in food production and distribution, promoting the principles of food sovereignty.

Farmlette Model Example:

What does it look like?

Fleet Farmlettes look like long gray metal raised bed rows. They feature a mulched perimeter, clearly defined walking rows, water-conscious drip irrigation, a unique all organic soil blend, and a small Fleet Farming sign. The size of the beds are dependent on the size of the plot of land. A typical farmlette is 10 ft by 20 ft but the length can be 100% adjusted.

Benefits To Homeowners

Free Farmwork from Fleet Farming:

- - The homeowner will not be required to take care of the farmlette. Instead, our Fleet Farming staff will manage the farmlette located on this specific plot of lawn space. Volunteering though is welcomed!

Weekly Fresh & Beyond Organic Food:

- - Upon sign-up, you’ll receive a personalized Fleet Farmlette Host Card.
  - This card entitles you to 3 washed and processed produce items every week at the upcoming SNAP certified community farmer’s market.
  - Seasonally available produce is grown such as tomatoes, greens, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, squash, and more! Farm hosts can also help to decide the types of crops grown in their farmlettes.

Exclusive Events:

- - Enjoy a sense of community by participating in Farmlette Host events, including monthly Lunch & Learn farm to table educational events, bi-weekly Fleet Farming Swarm Rides (farming bicycle rides), and special gatherings.
  - These events provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and foster a sense of belonging within the Fleet Farming community.

Community Engagement and Impact:

- Contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting an agricultural non-profit organization.
- Your participation helps expand Fleet Farming’s capacity to educate residents for free on sustainable farming practices, empowering the community to grow their own food.
- By hosting a Farmlette, you actively play a role in building a more resilient and self-sufficient community.

Requirements

Suitable Space:

Must have a lawn with full sun exposure to ensure optimal conditions for growing a variety of crops.
Must have access to a water spigot close by.

Commitment Agreement:

Must commit to a 2-year agreement with Fleet Farming.
The agreement can be dissolved by any party at any given time, providing flexibility for both the Farmlette Host and Fleet Farming. If the agreement is dissolved, Fleet Farming will return the space back to the original lawn.

Water Cost Coverage:

Farmlette Hosts are responsible for covering the cost of water.
Note that drip irrigation systems, typically used in Fleet Farming setups, are designed to be water-efficient, helping hosts reduce overall water consumption compared to traditional lawn watering practices. The irrigation system is on a timer for 1-2x per day for about 10-15 minutes.

Volunteer Access:

Must be willing to allow volunteers into your front yard farmlette.
Volunteer sessions occur up to 2 times per month, with a maximum group size of 15 persons.
This collaborative effort promotes community engagement, shared learning, and fosters a sense of teamwork within the Fleet Farming community.

Farm Manager Access:

Must permit Fleet Farming’s Farm Manager to tend to the farmlette occurring up to 3-4 times per week during the hours of 8 am to 5 pm.
This access ensures proper care, maintenance, and monitoring of the farmlette, contributing to its overall success and productivity.

Chemical-Free Environment:

Must refrain from spraying toxic chemicals in or around the farmlette.
To maintain a healthy and sustainable growing environment, Farmlette Hosts are encouraged to embrace natural and organic gardening practices, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals that may impact the soil, plants, and surrounding ecosystem. This contributes to the overall ecological balance and aligns with Fleet Farming’s mission of promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.