Community Gardens

Initiative Objective

Community gardens are taking off across the country, and there are literally thousands of them, with plans for many more to come. Community gardens are popular for a variety of reasons. People who do not have a garden of their own, are flocking to community gardens and growing their own fruits and vegetables instead of buying produce that often travels hundreds of miles before it reaches the grocery store. Concerns over food safety and an increased interest in organic gardening have also added to the popularity of these gardens. Many towns and cities are providing plots to city dwellers, at practically no cost, creating thousands of urban farmers, ranging from the young, to the young at heart. People grow fruits and vegetables for different reasons. Some plant for themselves and others grow produce and give to those who are not able to afford to buy fresh vegetables. Added features of the community gardens are that they not only provide a wonderful place to grow delicious, hand-pick veggies, the gardens also create and support a local food infrastructure and foster a sense of community. There are many organizations and grassroots efforts that are happy to provide information about how to start and support a community garden. Do you have questions about stating a community garden in your neighborhood? Ask Daphne.