Tom Toliver was honored with Westside Together’s seasonal Best of the West Award for his ceaseless dedication to supporting children and families of people who have been incarcerated, educating the community about growing our own healthy foods, and feeding anyone who needs it.

“I believe God has reserved me for a purpose, and that purpose is not to point fingers and to extend the hand… The Westside needs us, it needs the people.”

Tom Toliver

Mr. Toliver has led a dynamic life that began with farming. He continues to passes on his knowledge of how to use resources under our feet to feed the community. In 2009, Tom started Rebecca Street Urban Farm from a donated greenspace at Rebecca St and 6th Ave with the help of volunteers and support from WV State University. Tom’s nonprofit feeds the hungry, provides opportunities for veterans and neighbors to work through trauma with the soil, and educates volunteers to feed local families.