Steptoe Farm, a Black family-owned vegetable farm in Brandywine, Maryland, is building local resilience through access to healthy food. Founded in 2018 and incorporated in 2022, Steptoe provides fresh, affordable produce and animal products to working-class families in the DC area through partnerships with local food pantries and Black-led farmers’ markets. The farm also supports Black farmers through WhyHunger’s beginner farmer training program, offering livable wages and hands-on experience in organic farming and cooperative business ownership. Steptoe is also part of the Patuxent River Collective, a network of Black farmers and land stewards based in Southern MD.

In late 2024, Steptoe expanded by 1.5 acres, allowing them to more than double vegetable production and grow wholesale revenue. To support this growth, they are purchasing a truck, improving operational efficiency by transporting farm supplies and livestock feed in larger quantities (currently hauled in a Toyota Prius) and reducing shipping costs. The truck will also help distribute more produce to wholesale customers.

A 0% interest loan from Foodshed Capital gave them the financing needed to make this a smart, affordable investment while ensuring stable cash flow as the farm expands in 2025 and beyond.