“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” —Alfred Austin
Joseph Skibbie is a firm believer in nourishing the body and the soul with gardening. Founder of JRS Mar/Com (a digital marketing agency) and Chief Plowman at Beats, Beds & Browns (a growing community focused on gardening, brown spirits, and hip hop); Skibbie’s vision is to share the knowledge, joy, and wellness that come from growing your own food. This vision extends beyond his own garden; Skibbie dreams of a future where food insecurity, poor physical and mental health, and unhealthy food systems are overtaken by expert education, healthy, organic food, and a thriving community.
He aims to do this with the #100kin10yrs Initiative.
#100kin10yrs
This isn’t just a grand number; it’s a growing movement to connect 100,000 people with agriculture over the next decade, cultivating a community that understands, appreciates, and advocates for our food systems.
Imagine the impact of distributing 100,000 free, organic, heirloom seed kits and educating people on how to use them. Imagine the ripple effect that spreads across neighborhoods and impacts multiple generations, changing the future for the better. And it all starts with a simple seed packet.
“The joy I feel when I’m gardening is immeasurable; the relaxation it provides is equally important.” Says Skibbie. “As more people are struggling with mental health, physical exercise, and healthy eating, gardening is a way to address all those needs at once. If we can educate people on how to grow food and eat their own produce, we can make a much bigger impact than you would imagine from a simple seed kit giveaway.”
The need
Brewers aren’t the only ones to benefit from a partnership with urban gardens. In addition to supporting the community with produce Skibbie’s #100kin10yrs Initiative couldn’t be more timely; food insecurity and food deserts are plaguing millions across the United States. Whether the problem stems from a lack of access or a lack of financial resources, millions are struggling to maintain their health with limited options and unhealthy diets. For those who have access to stores, much of the food is ultra-processed (foods that have been altered to include fats, starches, sugars, salts, and hydrogenated oils extracted from other foods). According to the AP and the CDC, it’s estimated that most Americans get more than half of their daily calorie intake from ultra-processed foods instead of fresh, organically grown food, and the negative impacts are visible with the rise of obesity and chronic health conditions., breweries can also provide growing assistance through the use of brewing byproducts.
“Regardless of economics or location, I believe everyone should have access to nutritious, whole foods that are locally sourced for the environmental benefits.” Skibbie comments. “With the resources available in modern America, we should be able to work together to reduce rates of obesity, diabetes, and nutritional deficiencies—yet food access and education remain barriers. We have the resources available to grow thriving urban gardens, whether you have acres or just a balcony. Regardless of a person’s agricultural heritage or knowledge, we are here to connect and educate them so they can begin their journey to a healthier, happier future.”
Getting back to the garden isn’t just about diet; however, it’s also about mental wellness. Mental health needs have only increased in recent years, as 2 in 5 high school students are experiencing symptoms of depression, and 1 in 5 adults experience anxiety or depression at some point, according to the CDC. We need a positive outlet for our energy and a way to drain stress and nourish our minds, and that can happen in the garden.
Harvard Health and Psychology Today have linked positive physical and mental health impacts to time spent in nature, such as gardening. Skibbie has experienced that connection on a personal level.
“Beats, Beds & Browns was born out of my Covid crisis. I needed somewhere to put my mental energies during the shutdown. A friend said, “Why don’t you start a podcast?” I began thinking about what I would even talk about. Three of my favorite things came to mind rather quickly: gardening, brown spirits, and hip hop. That was the birthplace of the larger idea, and the #100kin10yrs Initiative grew from there.”
A growing movement
Skibbie’s dream has grown since its early stages, and word is getting out. “Our social media presence is growing, especially on YouTube. Our educational efforts have expanded, and we now speak at Franciscan Health as a part of their Food Is Medicine Program.” Skibbie is also proud to add his efforts to the already impressive work of the NWI Food Council, of which Skibbie is a member.
Skibbie and his family have grand plans for Beats, Beds & Browns, both for their personal lives and for the community they love.
“This is our retirement plan, we are looking to grow the audience across media channels, continue hosting the best emerging hip hop artists, educate on homestead agriculture, and connect with craft bourbon/whiskey distillers as well as growing our #100kin10yrs Initiative.” Skibbie shares.
The future of food isn’t on a grocery store shelf—it’s in the soil of your garden, whether that starts on an acre of land, or in a cup on your apartment balcony.
Skibbie is enthusiastic about the future. “It really is a miracle, similar to the children’s story Jack And The Beanstalk. You put the seed into the ground, and out comes a magical, nutritious thing that can benefit you and your community. I have experienced that for myself, and I want to put that power in the hands of every person who asks for it.”
It all starts with a seed. How about planting one today?
3 ways to help!
- Request a free seed kit, or purchase a sticker, shirt, or seed kit to support the cause!
- Tune into @beatsbedsbrowns and like/comment/share/subscribe.
- Share your progress on social media and tag us @beatsbedsbrowns!
Email Joseph Skibbie for further information: joseph@nwifoodcouncil.org
Read Joseph’s favorite book: Tender: A Cook and His Vegetable Patch
Learn more about food insecurity in the US: I Grew Up With the Shame of Food Insecurity. Decades Later, I Still Obsess Over What I Eat | Bon Appétit