Growing food in your backyard doesn’t have to be complicated. Monika Ozwarski, founder of Sweet Tooth Farm in Des Moines, proves that even small spaces and simple methods can make a huge difference. What started as a community garden in a vacant lot has grown into an urban farm that provides thousands of pounds of fresh produce to her neighborhood. Her journey demonstrates that anyone can start growing food with minimal resources and a desire to share.
Ozwarski didn’t begin as a professional farmer – she was a restaurant worker and later a social worker before she decided to transform a small pocket park into a garden. She started with raised beds and invited local children to help her water the plants.
When she noticed that many relied on convenience store snacks as meals, she realized the importance of locally growing food. Her response was simple: plant more food and share it with those in need. Today, her farm sells produce and donates large amounts through a community fridge and pantry, making fresh food accessible in a neighborhood with limited grocery options.
Her approach to composting also highlights how sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. Noticing a lack of municipal composting services, Ozwarski launched a community compost program allowing people to drop off food scraps or opt for doorstep pickup. She emphasizes composting can be as easy as putting kitchen scraps in a bin and letting the system handle the rest. Her program now turns waste into nutrient-rich soil, supporting local gardens while reducing landfill waste.
Ozwarski’s story shows that growing food is not about having perfect conditions or technical expertise. It’s about starting small, using what you have, and embracing the natural process. Sustainable food practices can be simple and impactful, whether it’s a backyard garden, a few raised beds, or simply composting. Her work reminds us that anyone can contribute to a healthier community – one plant, one meal, and one small step at a time.
