This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the work of Gardopia Gardens, a San Antonio nonprofit at the intersection of public health, food access, and neighborhood safety. Founded by Stephen Lucke, Gardopia uses urban gardening and education as a response to longstanding challenges in San Antonio’s food system and community health landscape.

Cory Ames sits down with Lucke to trace his path from local student, collegiate athlete, and aspiring medical professional to nonprofit founder and environmental advocate. The conversation explores both the personal motivations and community conditions that led to Gardopia’s formation, as well as the organization’s approach to public health and land justice.

They discuss:

• Barriers to healthy eating and physical activity in San Antonio’s built environment
• The evolution of Gardopia’s mission, from individual wellness to systems-level change
• How community gardens and micro farms can contribute to crime reduction and neighborhood safety
• The opportunities and obstacles facing urban agriculture and local food production in San Antonio
• Gardopia’s role in youth education, land access, and supporting new generations of urban farmers
• What it will take for San Antonio to secure its food future amid rapid population growth

Lucke shares candid reflections on what it means to serve the community you call home, the realities of starting and sustaining a grassroots initiative, and the persistent gaps in food access and health outcomes across San Antonio.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #127. What If We Replaced Every Lawn in San Antonio? – Explore how transforming our yards could reshape the city’s health and environment. Guest host Cory Ames interviews Monika Maeckle about native plants, water-wise landscapes, and practical tips for building a more sustainable, biodiverse San Antonio—one lawn at a time.

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