A viral seed and vegetable swap makes waves in Denver
DENVER — When David Corboy posted a social media video promoting a local seed and vegetable swap, he anticipated a handful of people would show up.
About 75,000 Instagram likes later (as well as a share from actress Sarah Jessica Parker), the inaugural event was an overwhelming success. More than 120 people showed up to Lady Justice Brewing April 21 to trade supplies and gardening tips. The brewery’s patio buzzed with flowers, herbs, seeds, potted plants and even some early-season vegetables.
“Four weeks ago I had about a thousand followers on Instagram,” Corboy said, laughing. “Now I have 17,000.”
Corboy promoted the event via Alpine Eatery, his plant-based food truck. He uses social media regularly to talk about social justice issues, taking aim at the current presidential administration while also speaking to food inequity and access issues. The inspiration to start the swap was rooted in his goal to make food accessible, but he never guessed this particular endeavor would reach as far as it did.
Most Americans just want to be happy, fed and cared for, Corboy said. “When people see events like this where they can partake in that and connect with the community, it really motivates them to get involved,” he added.
The event operated on a barter system. Some eager attendees arrived a full hour before the event started.
“We have to look at food deserts and access for all peoples if we’re going to have successful communities,” Corboy said.
Lady Justice Brewing was thrilled to host the swap. The brewery’s mission is to funnel beer money back into the community. This year, the owners hope to hit their goal of donating $100,000 to nonprofits that support women, girls and non-binary people.
Betsy Lay, the co-founder and owner of Lady Justice, said Corboy’s idea “really aligned” with the brewery’s goals. “We are always trying to find ways to tie back into the community in ways that don’t inherently involve money,” she said.
Local gardener Jeanenne Phillips, who attended the event, is a wealth of information when it comes to gardening. She shared the many benefits of the items she took home (yarrow can stop bloody noses, she said). She found out about the event via the viral Instagram post.
“As soon as I found out, I put this event on our family calendar,” Phillips said. “We’ve been prepping for weeks.”
Phillips inherited her grandmother’s garden that yields tons of strawberries, many of which she brought to the swap. Those were quickly snatched up by other attendees. She walked away with “pockets and pockets” of seeds, as well as marigolds and yarrow. Phillips said she won’t have to buy any more seeds for the season.
“We all have seeds hanging out anyway, so it’s great to know they’re not going to waste,” Phillips said. “There’s just nothing better than hanging out in a pile of dirt with mother nature.”
If you missed last week’s swap, don’t worry. The next event is taking place May 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Lady Justice Brewing. Corboy hopes to continue hosting swaps every other week, and once the growing season is in full swing, he plans to expand the event to a full marketplace where people can trade breads, baked goods, oil, and anything else they’ve created.
“We just need to get back to caring for each other,” Corboy said. “The more we grow together, the safer we are as a community.”
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