The small patch of soil that eventually grew into Rustic Roots Sanctuary recently received a funding commitment that places it in a much stronger position to combat food insecurity in North St. Louis County.
The 16-acre nonprofit community hub in Spanish Lake will receive nearly $1 million to expand its programs and deepen its impact, which aligns perfectly with the vision Janett Lewis had when she founded Rustic Roots in 2020.
“It all started in my front yard,” Lewis said. “I had this little community garden, and neighbors from near and far would stop by to help plant, pull weeds, and keep it going. It was more than a garden — it was a place for people to connect.”
Today, the team grows fresh, chemical-free produce year-round, trains emerging farmers through volunteer and mentorship programs, and operates the Spanish Lake Farmers Market to connect local growers directly with the community. Their regenerative farming practices not only yield nutrient-rich food but also help restore the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem.
The $965,000 total includes a $724,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program and $241,000 in matching funds from the Missouri Foundation for Health. Rustic Roots was one of only a few recipients selected for Missouri’s competitive Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program RFSI grants, which are part of a $6.9 million statewide effort to strengthen local food supply chains.
The matching funds from the Missouri Foundation for Health come through its 20-year Food Justice Initiative, launched in 2023 to address the root causes of food insecurity across the state.
“This grant is such a blessing, not just for Rustic Roots Sanctuary, but for the entire community,” Lewis said. “It allows multiple farmers to safely wash, store and package the food we grow — right here in Spanish Lake.”
The investment will fund new farm infrastructure, create jobs rooted in agriculture and wellness, and establish a shared-use commercial facility with cold storage and food processing equipment. Local farmers will be able to prepare and distribute their harvest directly to neighbors, markets and retailers — keeping fresh food local.
Lewis believes local farms should directly connect with neighbors, creating shared-use spaces for food production and distribution, and integrating cultural and educational programming.
“We’re ensuring that North St. Louis County residents have the tools, knowledge and access they need to feed themselves and their families, now and for generations to come,” Lewis said.
Farming is a part of Lewis’ heritage. Her father and grandfather worked on the family farm in Georgia on a 150-acre plantation.
Lewis says a lot of Black and brown communities don’t realize the power that lies in growing their own food. She says consumers can save so much money by eating from the land they live on. And she says that the people who know that should teach those around them.
It is something spiritual for her to have her hands in that dirt, growing food from the soil.
“When I’m in that dirt, I’m connected to my father and grandfather and all the ones that came before them, it’s empowering for me,” said Lewis. “I would like to see my people grow their own food, taking back their power.”
St. Louis County Councilwoman Shalonda Webb called the award a major step forward for North County.
“This funding provides much-needed resources to grow healthy, nutritious food right here in Spanish Lake in a way that is sustainable, empowering and locally driven,” Webb said. “It’s fuel for the vision and dedication of Rustic Roots to end food apartheid in North County.”
Since opening shortly after the closure of local grocery stores, Rustic Roots has distributed more than 50,000 pounds of fresh produce, much of it free or at low cost to residents. The farm also serves as a gathering place for community wellness programs, educational workshops, and neighborhood events.
Longtime resident Deborah Hughey said the farm’s role is essential.
“We need healthy foods available to our families. The grocery stores are gone. The residents are still here. Rustic Roots provides critical resources to our community,” Hughey said.
The grant will allow Lewis to launch a shared-use facility aimed at strengthening the local food system. The hub will give farmers the tools to scale up production, including cold storage to preserve freshness and food processing equipment to turn surplus produce into value-added products.
The cold storage will help prevent waste and extend the selling season, and the processing space will help transform raw crops into products that create new revenue streams for farmers. The hub will also serve as a central distribution point, making it easier to get healthy, affordable food.
“Providing infrastructure that supports both growers and consumers, this project will expand local market opportunities, keep more food dollars in the community, and ensure consistent access to fresh food year-round,” Lewis said.
Necole Cheung, executive director of the Christian Hospital Foundation, said the partnership aligns with the hospital’s commitment to community health.
“In a community with limited food options and high rates of diabetes, access to nutritious food isn’t just about meals, it’s about empowering residents to take charge of their health and well-being,” Cheung said in a statement.
Community members will have a chance to celebrate the milestone on Aug. 22, at a film screening and food tasting hosted at Christian Hospital’s Paul F. Detrick Building Atrium. The 6 p.m. event will feature a short film about Rustic Roots, a panel discussion with local leaders and fresh samples from the farm.