Interview and video by Jennie Trejo. Photos provided by Joppy Momma's Farm.
Located just six miles south of downtown Dallas, Joppy Momma’s Farm is deeply rooted in the history of Joppa, one of Texas’ last Freedman towns. Founded in 1872 by Henry Hines, an emancipated slave, Joppa became a sanctuary for freed Black families after the Civil War. Despite its rich heritage, the community has faced decades of marginalization and neglect. Today, Joppa remains one of the last Freedman towns in Texas and is now a federally declared food desert with limited access to fresh, healthy food.
Joppy Momma’s Farm was created to change that. Founded by Kim High on land passed down through her family, the farm embodies a deep connection to the land and a commitment to revitalizing the community through sustainable agriculture. Together with farm director Andrea “NayNay,” Kim is working to provide fresh produce and educational resources to promote wellness and self-sufficiency, all while preserving the legacy of Joppa’s ancestors.
We connected with Kim and Andrea to discuss the remarkable journey of Joppy Momma’s Farm, their efforts to bring fresh food to the community, and their vision for opening Joppa’s first market, coffee shop, and restaurant.
Kim: Several years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes, and I started volunteering at various farms here in Dallas. I decided to bring what I learned at those farms back to my community, where I grew up—Joppa. The community of Joppa was formed back in 1872 by Henry Hines. The property that Joppy Momma’s Farm is on belonged to my great-grandmother, Annie Horn, who was one of the first settlers in this community. So, I wanted to bring what I learned about managing my disease to the community that shaped me.
Kim: I recently received my Master Gardener certification. I wanted to gain more hands-on experience—understanding what to grow, how to grow it, and when. I learned about pollination, different bugs, and various trees. This knowledge has really benefited Joppy Momma’s Farm because now I know what we need to plant in each season.
Last year, I also received the “Making a Difference” award through the Master Gardener program. Being a certified Master Gardener has been rewarding, and I’m grateful for the support from the Master Gardener community. They volunteer and help out at the farm, which has been a huge benefit for us.
Kim: Joppa Momma’s Farm is tackling food insecurity here because there’s no fresh produce store around. In fact, there’s not even a store within eight miles. We have a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and a farmer’s market where the community can get produce every week or every two weeks, providing access to fresh food right here in the neighborhood, where there’s no public transportation to other stores. In just three years, we’ve made a significant difference, but we’re still working toward future goals like establishing a store that offers essential items alongside fresh fruits and vegetables.
Kim: Our future plans for Joppy Momma’s Farm include opening a fresh food market where people can come and buy vegetables, fruits, herbs, bread, and more, like a regular grocery store. We’re also hoping to have a small restaurant—something like Jason’s Deli, where you can get soup, sandwiches, and salads. The Dallas community can help us by contributing to our fundraising efforts, so we can make this goal a reality. Look out for more information as we share our progress in the coming days.
Andrea: This was nothing but God. I’ve known Ms. Kim since I was a child, and the universe brought us back together. She asked me to join her at the farm, and I said yes without hesitation. My heart is in farming—I’m dedicated to providing and eating clean, healthy food. It’s important to me to serve the community through farm-to-table crops and herbs.
Dallas Doing Good is proud to continue our partnership with the Communities Foundation of Texas for North Texas Giving Day! This year, we’re spotlighting outstanding organizations that align with CFT’s focus areas—Health, Wealth, Living, and Learning.
Join us in supporting these impactful organizations. Your donations help drive innovation and support essential services in our community. Learn more and give today at Joppy Momma’s Farm North Texas Giving Day page. Together, we make a difference!
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