Rock Hill’s FARMacy Community Farmstop Reopens After Hailstorm Damages
ROCK HILL —
Local nonprofit produce shop, the FARMacy Community Farmstop, is back in business, reopening its doors in early November 2024. This follows a challenging six-month recovery after a powerful hailstorm severely damaged the location in April.
The hailstorm that struck on April 20 caused significant devastation, including damage to five nearby homes and leaving another 17 with heavy structural issues. The FARMacy suffered serious consequences as rainwater infiltrated the building, soaking insulation and compromising the roof.
A Community Lifeline
The FARMacy, located at 641 Crawford Road, serves as an essential source of fresh produce in an area identified by many as a food desert. However, director Crystal Nazeer highlights that the situation is more akin to a food apartheid, noting long-term planning decisions have kept grocery stores out of this predominantly Black neighborhood.
Before the storm, the FARMacy had only been in operation for one year, with its grand opening held on April 21, 2023. Despite the setbacks, Nazeer has remained committed to the mission of providing quality food and supporting local farmers through partnerships, including one with the state’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.
A Labor of Love
Nazeer and her husband, Jonathan Nazeer, transitioned from being volunteer food distributors with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to launching the FARMacy. Throughout the storm recovery, they transformed their operations into an open-air market to continue serving the community, operating several days a week while completing about $15,000 worth of repairs.
The building that houses the FARMacy has a rich history; it was previously a hot dog restaurant and, before that, a laundromat. The Nazeers have made the space a hub not just for food, but also for community gatherings and workshops aimed at teaching residents how to grow their own food.
Growing Together
“We want to empower people to grow their own food,” Nazeer shared. “Whether you’re in an apartment, renting, or owning your home, everyone should be able to supplement their groceries with home-grown produce.” This philosophy underlines the ultimate goal of the FARMacy—not just selling food, but fostering a community of self-sufficiency.
As the storefront operates again, Crystal Nazeer is optimistic about the future. The goal is not only to provide nutritious food but to inspire residents to take control of their food sources. Classes on gardening are already available, encouraging individuals to develop their green thumbs and cultivate their gardens, regardless of living conditions.
With the reopening of the FARMacy, residents of Rock Hill can once again access locally grown produce, connecting the community to the land and each other. Nazeer believes, “Everyone deserves a decent place to live,” and that philosophy drives the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to enhance food accessibility in the area.
As Rock Hill navigates the aftermath of the storm, the FARMacy stands as a beacon of resilience and hope, proving that community effort and determination can bring about change and support even in the face of adversity.
