Houston is known for its oil, space exploration, and highways. However, nestled within its urban fabric, there’s a revolutionary concept—turning refugees into urban farmers.
Transforming Lives Through Farming
Plant It Forward (PIF) is a nonprofit organization based in Houston that partners with refugees from countries like Congo, Liberia, Sudan, and Myanmar. PIF helps these refugees transform underused urban land into vibrant half-acre farms filled with crops like Thai basil, African eggplant, lemongrass, and jute leaves (also known as molokhia or Egyptian spinach).
Experience the Change
This initiative not only provides refugees with sustainable livelihoods but also offers a unique experience for travelers and conscious consumers.
If you’re looking for a meaningful travel experience, book your vacation at MWR LIFE: Plant It Forward Urban Farms in Houston, Texas. Explore how farming is shaping lives and communities, while enjoying the rich cultural diversity of this innovative project.
Plant It Forward Houston
African Eggplant from a PIF farmer
These small farms are far from hobby gardens; they’re entrepreneurial ventures. PIF provides agricultural training, business mentorship, and connections to lucrative markets like farmers’ markets and CSA subscriptions to high-profile Houston restaurants.
“Our farmers focus on growing food that benefits health and well-being, but they’re also enhancing the vibrant culture Houston is known for,” says Nirjhor Rahman, CEO of Plant It Forward.
Plant It Forward
From Farm to Michelin-Noticed Table
For food-driven travelers, Houston’s dynamic restaurant scene is reason enough to visit and PIF is quickly becoming part of the story. Some of Houston’s popular restaurants source ingredients from PIF’s farmers, bringing hyper-local, global flavors to the plate. Places like JŪN featuring new age American foods, Nancy’s Hustle a modern bistro and cocktail bar, Craft Pita a Lebanese restaurant whose owner Rafael Nasr serves on the PIF board, and Local Foods that employs a local community based approach to their food.
PIF and Craft Pita Event
“We love sourcing from Plant It Forward because they have a unique variety of offerings that other local farmers don’t,” says Nasr. “Supporting an organization that empowers refugees to be entrepreneurs is what being part of the local Houston community is all about.” This isn’t just farm-to-table, it’s farm-to-table with an inspiring narrative driven by the farmers. Diners might discover new ingredients like Laotian coriander or French sorrel while supporting sustainable, socially responsible agriculture.
A New Kind of Travel Experience with PIF Farmers
PIF offers travelers unique experiences beyond typical tourist activities. Visitors can enjoy guided farm tours with refugee farmers, volunteer days for planting and harvesting, and seasonal meals featuring fresh, farm-grown ingredients. Depending on the time of year, they may sample vegetables like sunchokes, French sorrel, or molokhia. For many refugees, farming provides a path to heal from past traumas and create a new future. These experiences foster cultural exchange and community connections.
PIF also addresses social issues by operating farms in Houston’s food deserts, providing fresh produce to underserved communities. Refugee farmers gain not only income but confidence, new relationships, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
One success story is Van Thawng, a PIF graduate who started his own farm business and catering service. He grows traditional Burmese vegetables and offers dishes like the Shwe Taung Noodle bowl. He also sells his produce to Burmese communities in cities like New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
Businessolver’s 2-Day Event with PIF
Businessolver is actively engaging employees in corporate social responsibility programs, such as volunteering on farms with organizations like Plant It Forward (PIF). “Partnering with PIF brings our purpose to life,” says Jon Shanahan, Businessolver’s President & CEO. “It’s a unique opportunity to foster empathy and create lasting community impact.”
Why It Matters: Houston and Travelers
For Houston, PIF represents resilience, innovation, and pride in the city’s ethnic diversity. Travelers can explore a different side of Houston through its food, culture, and connections with people. Rahman suggests reaching out through PIF’s website to arrange a visit. “An urban farm may not be your first thought when visiting Houston, but for those seeking meaningful experiences, it’s definitely worth it,” he says.
