OUR ROOTS

A common cause. It began as the seed of an idea among a group of friends, all ardent supporters of the Urban Ministry Center, an interfaith agency serving poor and homeless people in Charlotte, North Carolina. Why not launch a microbusiness centered around a common passion, one where proceeds would directly benefit UMC? They created a seasonal farm stand featuring locally grown organic produce, artisanal cheeses, honey, fresh flowers and fine homemade sweets and savories. With seed money provided by co-founders Sarah Belk and Paige Waugh, and a tremendous commitment of time, talent and sweat equity by a core group of givers and doers, The Mustard Seeds, Common Grounds Farm Stand sprang to life.

 

A common bond. Now in its fith season, Common Grounds Farm Stand is a labor of love made possible by more than 100 volunteers of all ages baking, selling and running the market. The Farm Stand creates a small town community experience each week in the summer as friends and neighbors gather to shop for local produce and homemade, artisanal foods. Every November a one day market, Cornucopia, offers fall foods and gifts  for the Thanksgiving holidays.

 

For the common good. Common Grounds Farm Stand operates May through September and, in four seasons, raised more than $178,000 for the Urban Ministry Center.  Helping UMC has become a way for all involved to bond as a community and, in giving, receive to many blessings in return.