This Money Was Put to Good Use!

When the federal government distributed stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans used the funds to pay bills, buy groceries, or simply stay afloat. But for one Florida man, the check sparked a far more visionary idea — one rooted in sustainability, community, and long-term change.

Michael “Spirit Mike” Chaney, a Tampa native, used his government stimulus check to create what he proudly calls a “generational food garden” — a self-sustaining community space designed to provide fresh produce and resources to local residents (Atlanta Black Star).

Rather than view his stimulus money as a one-time benefit, Chaney saw it as seed money — literally. “I do bio-intensive gardening, which means planting as much as you can in a small space,” Chaney explained in an interview. “I specifically picked these types of fruits — dwarf plants — because they grow fast and don’t require massive plots of land.”

On his modest 0.3-acre property, Chaney has cultivated an impressive mini-farm filled with life and purpose. The garden includes collard greens, papayas, eggplants, onions, tomatoes, and even cashew apples — each selected for its nutritional value and adaptability to Florida’s climate (WFLA News). “It’s very important that you plan your garden,” he emphasized. “Do your research before you put a dollar down, because you want your dollar to go as far as it can.”

Chaney’s method is as strategic as it is sustainable. He encourages others to use whatever government assistance or savings they receive to build lasting systems of food independence. “If you use that assistance wisely,” he said, “all you need is a plot of land. Use that assistance and buy four or five plants a month. By the end of the year, you don’t even need the assistance anymore — you have an orchard.”

Among his crops are moringa trees, which he calls “miracle plants.” A single moringa pod, he explains, contains five times more vitamin C than an orange and is packed with calcium, potassium, and antioxidants (Healthline). Chaney has also added a small chicken coop, starting with nine hens — each purchased for just $3. The chickens not only produce eggs but are an essential part of his sustainable ecosystem.

“My aim is to make my food cost zero,” Chaney told Atlanta Black Star. “My food scraps go into the soldier fly larvae bin — they eat that and produce larvae. Those larvae feed the chickens. The chickens lay eggs, and I sell or eat those eggs. It’s a complete circle — life is good.”

Currently, Chaney is still in the early stages of development, giving away much of his produce to neighbors so they can sample the freshness and quality firsthand. His long-term goal, however, is to scale up the operation, sell locally, and use profits to fund community education programs focused on sustainability and self-reliance.

Chaney’s initiative reflects a growing nationwide movement toward urban and regenerative agriculture, particularly among African American growers who are reclaiming farming as an act of empowerment. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there has been a measurable rise in small-scale Black-owned farms and gardens since 2020, many inspired by the food insecurity challenges highlighted during the pandemic.

Community members have already begun rallying around “Spirit Mike,” offering volunteer labor, seeds, and small donations. “Essentially, for less than what you got for the stimulus, you can have a chicken pen, 10–15 chickens, eggs, and meat,” Chaney said. “You can build generational food security with just a little investment, time, and effort.”

For Chaney, the mission goes far beyond planting vegetables — it’s about cultivating self-sufficiency, sustainability, and pride. “This isn’t just my garden,” he said. “It’s our garden — a legacy of food that can feed people long after I’m gone.”

Congratulations, Spirit Mike! Your vision is proof that real growth often begins with just one seed — and a whole lot of heart.