Weekdays - 8:00am to 9:00pm Weekends - 10:00am to 6:00pm |
Phone |
(401) 365-4FUG (4384) |
Website |
FertileUnderground.com |
fertileunderground@gmail.com |
Owner(s) |
Co-operatively owned |
Established |
Co-operative: 2009 Grocery: 2011 |
Payment Method |
Cash, Credit, Check |
Wheelchair accessibility |
Yes |
Fertile Underground is a worker-owned cooperative dedicated to improving the health of the community of Providence and beyond by providing ethically sourced, local and natural foods. Fertile Underground offers fresh produce and other healthy groceries as well as foods served in an eat-in cafe. In addition, the store acts as a community meeting place, with classes and other events.
Founded in January 2009 to address food insecurity, the effluence of false foods, and modern disconnection from nature, folks came together to create at least two urban gardens that year, in empty lots of Providence. Guerrilla gardening, creative upcycling, community action and connectivity are tools by which the group creates waves of change.
In 2011, some members committed to opening a grocery store on the West Side, which has been open full time since January of 2012. Also in 2011, the group was removed from their original home garden on Pearl Street, and relocated the communal garden to a corner yard in Elmwood. Fertile Underground have also built four free public garden beds in Dexter Park, as well as a circle of Stone Benches.
Fertile Underground stands as a living experiment in direct community action, worker cooperation, and sustainable living in a modern environment.