From the first time we heard of Johnson Farm & Food Cottage we knew we wanted to feature them in South Jersey Local and that our monthly Uncommon Garden feature would be the perfect place to do so.
Their connection to their heritage and how that reflects in their respect for the land and their approach to farming, was for sure a story worth telling.
The farm, just outside of Woodstown in Mannington Township, is run by husband and wife team Michelle and Randy Johnson. Aside from farming and running a cottage-licensed food business, the couple are educators by trade, with Randy still currently working full time at Salem Middle School.
On the farm the couple grows a wide array of fruits and vegetables, from strawberries to many kinds of lettuces, peppers and tomatoes, just to name a few.
For the “Food Cottage” side of the business, Michelle makes all kinds of delicious baked goods including pies, cakes, cookies and breads.
To get more insight into the philosophy behind their business, we arranged a phone interview, and we had a lovely chat with Michelle.
But soon after, she also sent an email that so eloquently and succinctly explained their outlook, that we decided to share it with our readers directly (edited slightly for length).
So without further ado, here is what Michelle Johnson had to say about Johnson Farm & Food Cottage:
The Original Caretakers – the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape
I am a proud tribal citizen of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation (centered in Bridgeton). We want to emphasize that Lenni-Lenape translates to the “Original People” or “Water People.” Farming this specific soil is a profound act of homecoming for me. Finding ancestral artifacts right here in the ground as we till is living proof that our relationship with this land never ended.
A Marriage of Legacies
This farm is a beautiful convergence of two histories. While this is my ancestral tribal land, the physical home we are living in was built by Randy’s grandparents. Randy’s careful restoration of the house, combined with my Indigenous roots, represents two families coming together to protect, love and honor one piece of earth, given to us by our Creator.
The Three Sisters & Indigenous Sovereignty
We practice true land stewardship by growing our ancestral staples—Corn, Beans, and Squash—using natural , organic methods. This agricultural sovereignty is our personal contribution to the spirit of the Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project in New Jersey. We aren’t just looking backward; we are actively bringing our culture, music, dance, and traditional foodways into the modern day.
Partnering with the South Jersey Preservation and Mannington Township
We are incredibly proud to base our operations here, and we value the opportunity for Mannington Township, its zoning boards and The South Jersey Preservation, to stand as partners in our success. When local municipalities champion agricultural diversity—especially for an Indigenous-woman-owned food cottage and Black-operated farm—it sets a powerful example for the entire state. We are also proud members participating in the Jersey Fresh program and the state of New Jersey WIC program where we are afforded the opportunity to partner with Salem counties WIC program and have our fresh produce available Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 1 through November.
Representing Our Community
As an Indigenous businesswoman and Black farmers, diversity and representation in agriculture are incredibly important to us. Our roadside farm stand and food cottage business are designed to do one primary thing: bring equitable access to all, especially those in food desserts throughout South Jersey, like Salem and Pennsgrove; to feed people and bring the local community together through nourishment, heritage, and love, as the peaceful community of who our ancestors were.
Johnson Farm & Food Cottage is located at 264 Fenwick Rd., Woodstown (Mannington Township).
You can buy their products directly at their on-site farm stand, and also find them at farmers markets around the area all season long.
You can also follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577698753553
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