Stories

Nestled on 100 acres of fertile land in Pembroke, NC, Locklear Farms has been a staple of resilience and community spirit for over two decades evolving to meet the changing needs of their community.

In the early years, Locklear Farms sold produce at various farmers’ markets and stands, hauling crops from one place to another to reach customers. However, the logistics proved challenging; and, over time, they decided to focus solely on their own stand where they could connect more personally with their loyal customers. Now, the farm stand is a trusted resource where over 1000 customers come out each week because they know they can find fresh, locally-grown produce, any time of the year.

Locklear Farms takes pride in being accessible to everyone in the community. Recognizing that many of their neighbors rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the farm stand started accepting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments, making fresh produce available to everyone, regardless of income. This commitment reflects the farm’s mission to not only grow food but also make sure it’s accessible to all.

Locklear Farms plays a unique role in the community’s social fabric, whether it be in offering summer jobs for teens, employment for community members, farm tours for university students and ag educators, or in providing food that brings people together. The farm creates excitement around fresh produce, with customers eager to choose vegetables fresh from the field rather than from a grocery shelf. From Thanksgiving tables to family reunions, their produce is part of cherished moments in the community. There’s a connection to the land, the families, and the heritage of a community that values fresh food, tradition, and resilience.

Written with Ellery Locklear of Locklear Farms. For more information on Locklear Farms visit their farm stand at 9840 Deep Branch Road in Pembroke or email Ellery at locklearellery@yahoo.com.

On a warm spring day, Marvin Frink greets his cattle with a warm smile and a proud hello. He stands at the fence line in his cowboy hat marveling at the business that ultimately saved his life. After a couple of minutes observing the cattle’s behavior, he begins to head towards the barn to feed his cows. “My day begins by just being grateful for my family and the land that I have acquired” explains Marvin.

Marvin dedicated 29 years of his life to serving his country in the special operations unit as a Anti-Terriorsim Specialist in the military. After retiring, and returning to his home in South Florida, Marvin’s father noticed something different about him. He noticed that Marvin was suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress) and had high levels of anxiety that caused him nightmares and depressive episodes. Marvin’s father suggested that he try farming in order to manage his symptoms and take control of his mental health. Marvin was skeptical at first, because he didn’t know a lot about farming. Marvin knew how to research and follow directions plus with Southern heritage in his blood, he turned his insecurities into passion.

The Frinks also give back to their community by hosting a mental health wellness day for veteran farmers. In its 3rd year, the Day of Healing creates a space for farmers who are dealing with PTSD to come and receive support from their peers. This annual event is sponsored by F.A.R.M (Feeding America Real Meat a 501 non-profit) association and by Nature for Justice: The Soil Inventory Project. Briarwood continues to be a beacon of light for the underserved and marginalized communities. Briarwood Cattle Farm continues to push boundaries by setting the example and being at the forefront of agricultural liberation.
To lean more about Briarwood Cattle Farm LLC, please visit www.briarwoodcattlefarm.com

Written with Marvin Frink of Briarwood Cattle Farm

Linda Richardson Tyndall carefully places her handmade soaps, body rubs, and herbal teas on the table to sell at the Community Food Strategies Conference in 2023 at the Rocky Mount Conference center. 

The Richardson family has an herbal garden/farm located in Tar Heel, NC. The land was purchased over 80 years ago by Jeff Richardson (grandfather) and continues to be a source of healing and food access. Linda Richardson Tyndall and Naomi Richardson Simmons and their siblings: Katie Richardson Farmer, Jeanette Richardson White and Larry Richardson are responsible for the day to day operations on the farm including planting, growing, harvesting and they also run the business side of the farm.

When the Richardson family lost both of their parents, Dad in 2010 and Mom in 2020, they felt a responsibility of continuing their parents legacy by keeping the farm in the family and keeping the farm in production. Linda especially felt like she was “called” back to the land after walking away from farming when she was younger. It “felt like it was divine intervention,” Linda said. Linda was reminded that farming was a way of life when she was a child. Her family lived off the land. Linda’s father planted pecan trees and black walnut trees that are still producing to this day. When asked,“What do you grow? Linda explains that she grows herbs like mint, thyme, mullein, hibiscus as well as an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables. “The land is showing me what it likes to be grown. It’s gonna grow, whether I plant it or not.” Linda gives credit to the rich soil that was tilled and prepared by her ancestors. 

The Richardson Family hopes to continue stewarding the land that was passed down to them. They want their community to realize that health is important and that the land provides whatever is needed for them to heal themselves. 

Written with Linda Richardson of Richardson Herbal Farm

For more information on the products from Richardson Herbal Farm please email richardsonherbalfarm@gmail.com.

“In my childhood, I remember when catnip was used to soothe stomach aches, tobacco to relieve bee stings, sassafras tea to ease pain, and many other plants used as medicines. These traditional practices were part of our lives but gradually diminished over the years, replaced by modern medicine and changing lifestyles.” — Jennifer Graham. This was the experience of Graham and Jacobs (below), members of the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe, who longed to reconnect with their ancestral ways.
In 2019, the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe embarked on an inspiring journey to revive these ancestral practices, partnering with the North Carolina Native Ethnobotany Project. This initiative marked a profound shift, rekindling cultural traditions and restoring the deep connections with the natural world that had been overshadowed over time. This led to the creation of the Healing Green Space, a symbol of hope and resilience for the community. The Healing Green Space became a sanctuary for both the land and the spirit. 
Guided by the Creator and the teachings of their ancestors, the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe found solace in nature’s embrace. Tribal members are able to reconnect with the healing properties of our native plants and some non-native plants, including yaupon holly, catnip, elderberry, sassafras, and mullein. These plants are central to the tribe’s traditions and play a vital role in the tribe’s path to well-being and spiritual restoration. 
A key aspect of the Healing Green Space is its role in fostering intergenerational connections. The space offers a sense of unity and collective healing, where members can meditate, reconnect with nature, and find mental relaxation. By creating educational programs and talking circles, the tribe ensures that younger generations learn about and embrace their heritage, reaffirming the tribe’s commitment to a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.

written by Jennifer Graham of the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe
For more information on the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, please visit waccamaw-siouan.org.

The Facts of Life Outreach Community Based Programs was born from a deep well of compassion and a fervent belief in the transformative power of faith and love that all started with my parents. Growing up, I witnessed the incredible impact that a community could have when they came together to support one another in times of need.
 
My parents always told me and my siblings that we were all a part of something much greater than ourselves. We were part of a divine plan, and our duty was to serve, to love, and to uplift those who were struggling. I watched as my parents hosted people in our home, feeding people every week to make sure they had enough to eat. Following my parents’ words and actions, the vision for the Facts of Life Outreach Community Based Programs was born. 
 
We have a commitment to providing access to food for the vulnerable populations like our seniors, homeless and other marginalized communities. We’ve formed partnerships with businesses and organizations like USDA Feed America and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, resulting in vital support for thousands facing food insecurity. With the help of over 30 volunteers, we provide weekly prepared meals at our church in Whiteville, NC. We feed over 2000 people per week. In addition, we provide backpacks for the homeless that include groceries, personal hygiene products and other necessities. In order to continue to serve more of our community, we distribute food boxes at our 2nd location in Tabor City weekly to meet the needs of those living on the other side of Columbus county. 

As we move forward on this incredible journey, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our family, volunteers, and partners for being a part of this extraordinary mission. 

written with Pastor Daisy Brooks of Facts of Life Church
For more information on the Facts of Life food programs please visit 
www.factsoflifeoutreach.org.