The L.A. Nonprofit Where the Formerly Incarcerated Grow Organic Produce

ALMA Backyard Farms seeks to feed the souls and stomachs of Compton residents with little access to healthy and affordable food.

Published

June 29, 2026

Jeremy Lindenfeld

On a Thursday morning in June, formerly incarcerated folks gathered on a small plot of land in Compton, California, to continue the work they have been undertaking for years: growing and harvesting organic food for the local community. The space is run by ALMA Backyard Farms — a nonprofit organization founded by the husband and wife team of Richard Garcia and Erika Cuellar in 2013. Since then, the organization claims it has been able to grow 125,000 pounds of vegetables annually, which is then sold through their bimonthly farm stands via a “pay what you can” model.

“We don’t turn anyone away. That is part of our farm stand philosophy,” Cuellar said. “Regardless of what crises [are] affecting our society, whether it’s a change in administration, cuts of benefits left and right, the fires, the ICE raids, whatever hits our community, ALMA has managed to be a consistent source of connection, belonging, and really good food.”

Reporter: Elizabeth Aguilera
Producer: Cerise Castle, Jeremy Lindenfeld
Camera: Jeremy Lindenfeld
Editor: Jeremy Lindenfeld