ORLANDO, Fla. — Rolling up his sleeves, Dennis Abney gets to work inside a greenhouse tucked away in Orlando’s Packing District. Walking row-by-row, Abney plucks tomatoes and peppers from hanging vines.

It’s part of a sprawling campus 4Roots is developing not far from Orlando’s downtown.

Abney spent 45 years in kitchens. The retired chef now spends time helping to feed others.

“I just want to give back,” Abney said. “I’ve lived in this city for 40-plus years, and now my career as a chef is over. It’s time to give back.”

Abney helps to feed the communities around Central Florida in a new approach to developing sustainable and healthy food sources at 4Roots Farm.

John Rivers, founder of 4Rivers restaurants, created 4Roots Farm to help area communities build healthy, thriving and sustainable food systems.

“The goal of the farm in many ways will function like a science center for the city of Orlando, but with a focus entirely on agriculture and farming,” said Josh Taylor, head farmer at 4Roots Farm. “Big emphasis on education and inspiring change, both in our food system and farming practices, but inspiring the next generation of farmers to get involved in farming.”

The work for volunteers like Abney is hard — and dirty.

“I’ve helped with planting. I’m now helping with harvesting,” Abney said. “I have done work outdoors.”

Like a well-cooked meal, featuring the finest grabs from the garden, Abney said the work is rewarding.

4Roots Farm is only a fraction of what it will eventually be. Crews broke ground in 2021 and are developing the site in phases. Within the next few years, 4Roots Farm plans to open its campus to the public, with an education center with classrooms, field gardens, greenhouse, event space, restaurant and more.