Innocence Powell never expected to be out turning over soil and picking vegetables. While she was serving time in prison, working with crops was something she says she found comfort in.

“I found freedom in it while being there," Powell said. "So it was, just like, natural.”

Now she’s doing it for more than just herself. Powell established Abundance farms, a volunteer-led group of comprised mostly of Black and brown people in Ulster County. The volunteers tend to the land and harvest crops that later get distributed, free of charge, to people looking for fresh food in Kingston.

Powell says teaching self-sufficiency is important to her.

“I feel like if all systems failed … you’d know how to take care of yourself, take care of your family," she said. "I think that would truly bring people together.”

The work also tries to alleviate pressures felt by people in Kingston who may not have easy access to fresh foods at supermarkets.

According to a Siena College study, 32 of 62 New York counties are considered to have food deserts, 86% of which exist in urban areas. Powell says Kingston fits that description.

“Anywhere where it’s been redlined, that’s a food desert," she said.

Powell ultimately wants Abundance Farms to be a community effort, something that people in Kingston can have a hand in, and that other areas lacking fresh food can replicate in their own communities.

“I hope that, not only can we feed you, but come out, come join us," Powell said. "Come to the land; come be in community.”