At Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, we believe that growth happens in many forms—through the roots of plants, the sharing of knowledge, and the bonds that tie communities together. Vizcaya Village, once the agricultural heart of James Deering’s estate, continues that legacy today through programs that explore food, sustainability, and the relationship between people and the land.
As Miami faces challenges around food security, these historic grounds serve as both a classroom and a catalyst for community resilience. Through initiatives like the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market and the Urban Agriculture Program, we’re not just preserving history—we’re cultivating a living dialogue about what it means to nourish one another in modern times.
Connecting Past and Present
Urban agriculture at Vizcaya bridges a century of agricultural innovation. In the early 1900s, Vizcaya Village supported a working farm that supplied the estate’s kitchen with fruits, vegetables, and dairy. The Village thrived, regularly selling excess goods with locals in the young and growing city.
Today, our staff and community partners are reviving that tradition not just through lively Vizcaya Village Farmers Market taking place every Sunday, but also through workshops on composting, seed saving, small-space gardening, and even some agriculture-inspired artmaking.
These programs remind us that sustainable living begins with simple acts—planting herbs in a windowsill, sharing produce with a neighbor, or learning how to grow food from kitchen scraps. Each seed planted carries forward a piece of Miami’s agricultural heritage while addressing today’s urgent need for local, accessible food.
The Power of Community Partnerships
Through collaborations with local organizations—such as Urban Oasis Project, Compost for Life, Feeding South Florida, Common Threads, Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry, The Miami Foundation, local schools, and food equity advocates—Vizcaya helps support a more resilient food system.
Thanks to Urban Oasis Project, our farmers market continues to honor SNAP and Double SNAP benefits, ensuring that all Miami families can enjoy fresh, local produce while supporting area growers.
As these partnerships take root, they demonstrate how historic spaces like Vizcaya can play an active role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
Further Resources 🌿
For those looking to grow, give, or get involved, explore our curated list of community resources:
Download the Community Food Resources
This guide includes:
- Local food banks and community fridges
- Farmers markets that accept and double SNAP benefits
- Organizations offering gardening workshops and food justice programs
Together, we can grow a stronger, healthier Miami—one garden, one neighbor, and one seed at a time.
