This is not a Platia event, but a separate event run by the organization C.R.O.P.S. in nearby Atlantic City, New Jersey. I continually look to C.R.O.P.S. as I explore food systems, because of the way they're thinking about who gets food and where it comes from.

C.R.O.P.S. is working toward installing a food system in AC that gives the resources back to the community through sliding scale farmer's markets and gardening classes. There's a lot to learn about putting the power back in the hands of the people and giving them the choice of what to grow, what to cook and how to take care of themselves in an area that could be classified a food dessert despite the prevelence of casinos and nightlife.

One of the classes on offer this year is "Seed to Supper," a a five-week journey through planting your own produce garden. The first two events, "planning your garden," and "getting started with healthy soils," have passed, but the March 19, April 16 and April 30 events still have open RSVPs. Each class is free to the public.

On March 19th, you'll learn how to begin planting your garden. April 16th brings a deep dive into pest management. Finally on April 30th, you harvest your bounty.

Each event is held at 167 South Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City, at 10am and you can sign up here or on the C.R.O.P.S. website linked above.

If C.R.O.P.S. sounds interesting to you, they also accept volunteers on rotating projects and shifts. You can find out more about that here.