Announcement
Selam Dickerson first connected with the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) New Roots program in 2023 as an intern, working to increase agricultural awareness and outreach. From a refugee background herself, Selam quickly developed a deep connection with the New Roots farmers and began brainstorming opportunities to help strengthen the program as part of her role.
Find Rollin' Harvest, led by Selam, at the Millcreek Farmers Market every Friday through the end of October. Don't miss your chance to support this incredible small business owner!
Photo: Millcreek City
Over the next several months, she became aware of the various challenges that the farmers faced when selling their produce. Some of these challenges affect many local farmers across the country, but others were unique to their background as refugees. Farmers struggled with capacity limitations, a lack of technology and resources, distribution challenges, and language barriers.
A webinar on the benefits of mobile farmer’s markets sparked an idea for Selam. She worked quickly to develop a plan to apply this model to the produce from New Roots in the form of a business plan, receiving support from the IRC’s small business team. This new business model, named Rollin’ Harvest, connects New Roots farmers and other producers directly to local consumers, directly addressing farmer-to-customer barriers. It closes the gap between their farms and the markets, increasing their distribution opportunities and limiting the effects of language barriers.
“Every Friday, we pick up the fresh produce from all of our farmers and transport it to local and private farmers' markets. This program is both adaptive to farmers and incredibly efficient. The vegetables are handpicked that day and go to a market that same afternoon. On Saturdays, we have our New Roots farmers market, giving Friday’s produce one more opportunity to sell. We bring back any unsold goods, giving the majority of profits to the farmers, with a small percentage cut off as commission,” Selam explained.
Selam’s business connects community members who face barriers accessing locally-grown produce with new options: “We are able to bring New Roots produce into neighborhoods and apartment complexes, pulling up directly to community members, bringing them easily accessible, culturally relevant produce.”
Rollin’ Harvest landed Selam as a finalist in the IRC’s 2025 New American Dream Lab, and her operations officially launched in July 2026. Her business delivery model has set Selam apart and quickly became integral to the local food access ecosystem. Through these efforts, Selam has benefitted through the IRC’s small business counseling program, working closely with a counselor to navigate resources, address challenges, and work through to business launch.
If Selam’s story inspires you to support our local refugee farmers, you can find Rollin’ Harvest produce at the Millcreek Farmers Market every Friday until the end of October. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and fresh vegetables. New Roots and Rollin’ Harvest would like to thank Millcreek Farmers Market for their support and advocacy.
You can support New Roots farmers directly by stopping by a Wednesday or Saturday Farmers Market. Learn more »
