OMCS DAY 5: Making an Impact at Garcia Street Urban Farm 

June 25, 2024 marked the fifth day of Operation Military City Salute, and this time, volunteers turned their attention to one of San Antonio’s most impactful community spaces: Garcia Street Urban Farm. Located in the heart of San Antonio’s Eastside, this 4.1-acre urban farm plays a vital role in fostering food security and community engagement in an area where access to fresh, nutritious foods is limited. 

Thanks to the dedicated volunteers from The Mission Continues and USAA, the farm received a much-needed boost. These volunteers worked side by side with local community members to improve the space, build infrastructure, and help ensure that Garcia Street Urban Farm can continue to serve as a hub for education, food production, and community connection for years to come. 

Garcia Street Urban Farm: A Community Beacon 

Garcia Street Urban Farm is not just a place to grow food—it’s a community initiative that brings together residents, farmers, educators, and organizations to address food insecurity and promote sustainable urban agriculture. The farm’s focus on growing fresh produce and providing educational opportunities helps strengthen the community’s resilience while creating a space where people of all ages can learn about food production, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. 

A unique feature of the farm is its pollinator meadow, which serves both as a habitat for wildlife and a support system for the pollinators that are crucial for the farm’s success. The farm’s work goes beyond just growing food—it also supports educational programs, distributes fresh produce through community markets, and fosters a sense of pride and ownership in the surrounding neighborhood. 

With the support of Alamo Colleges District and Opportunity Home San Antonio, Garcia Street Urban Farm has become a living example of how urban agriculture can strengthen communities, provide fresh food, and connect people across generations. 

The Impact of The Mission Continues 

On Day 5 of Operation Military City Salute, veterans and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to support the farm’s mission. Their collective efforts helped improve the farm’s infrastructure, making it more accessible, functional, and welcoming for community members. 

Here’s a look at the key projects completed that day: 

• Building a Walking Trail Through the Garden: One of the most exciting additions to the farm was the creation of a new walking trail through the garden. This path will make it easier for visitors to explore the various growing areas, engage with the plants, and take in the beauty of the space. The trail not only improves accessibility but also creates a space for reflection and connection with nature. It’s an important feature that invites people to slow down, appreciate the environment, and learn more about where their food comes from. 

• Expanding Production with Additional Garden Beds: With the help of volunteers, the farm expanded its growing capacity by adding additional garden beds. These new beds will allow for the production of even more fresh fruits and vegetables, helping the farm serve more residents and local markets. Expanding food production is critical to addressing food insecurity, and these new beds will help the farm continue to provide healthy, locally grown produce to the community. 

• Providing Additional Seating for Guests and Visitors: Another important improvement was the addition of seating areas around the farm. New picnic tables and seating options were built to create spaces where visitors can relax, enjoy the surroundings, and gather for community events. These new seating areas make the farm a more welcoming and comfortable place for families, neighbors, and visitors to come together and share experiences. The seating provides a place for education, conversation, and enjoyment, helping build connections within the community. 

• Creating a Pergola-Shaded Structure: To further enhance the farm’s ability to serve as a gathering space, volunteers also built a pergola-shaded structure. This new addition provides a place of respite from the sun, making the farm even more inviting for visitors, particularly during the warmer months. The pergola will be an ideal spot for community events, educational workshops, and group activities, creating a sheltered space where people can come together in comfort. 

A Day of Collaboration and Community Impact 

The work completed on Day 5 was about more than just physical improvements—it was about strengthening the bond between the farm and the community it serves. Volunteers worked side by side with local farmers and residents, contributing not just to the physical space but to the sense of pride and ownership that makes Garcia Street Urban Farm so special. 

This collaboration between veterans, local volunteers, and community members is a testament to the power of community engagement and the impact that collective efforts can have on addressing important issues like food insecurity, education, and environmental stewardship.  

Check out the full collection of photos for Day 5 of OMCS!

A Heartfelt Thank You 

A huge thank you to the veterans and volunteers from USAA and The Mission Continues who participated in Day 5 of Operation Military City Salute. Your dedication and hard work at Garcia Street Urban Farm have made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. This day of service is a powerful reminder that, when we come together as a community, we can create lasting change and make a tangible impact on the future. 

Additionally, we express profound gratitude to our Presenting sponsor, USAA and additional sponsors Valero Energy, CPS Energy, Toolbank, Coca Cola Co., VIA Metropolitan Transit, and Silver Eagle Distributions for their unwavering support and commitment to this transformative mission. Their contributions played a pivotal role in making Operation Military City Salute possible.