5 Organizations Transforming Communities Through Gardening

5 Organizations Using Gardening to Improve Communities

The Impact of Food Well Alliance

Tips For Starting Your Own Garden

• Make sure you have all the tools you need
• Keep everything organized so nothing gets lost
• Use a stool to stay comfortable while you work
• Or avoid crouching down altogether by having a raised garden
• Light the garden so that you can enjoy it at night as well
• Remember to mark your plants so you know what you're growing
• If you're having trouble with pests, put up a fence
• Prune your plants regularly
• If you don't have a good environment outside, try growing an indoor garden

Take a Tour of Hillview Urban Agriculture Center

In Depth

A public garden can radically alter the way that the people around it relate to the area, and to one another. Planting and caring for green spaces offers a healthy food supply, an opportunity to connect, and a venue to gather for recreation and learning. Many organizations have dedicated themselves to empowering people through agriculture, in hopes of revitalizing neighborhoods, cities, or even entire geographical regions. In no particular order, we present five groups seeking to grow a better world from the soil up.

Leading off at #1 is Organic Growers School, which provides practical and affordable education for farmers and home growers in the Southern Appalachian region. They work to train those interested in sustainable food production, hosting workshops on the skills of growing and harvesting crops, as well as on the business and administrative aspects of farm ownership. Those looking to supplement their home gardens or move toward self-sufficiency have options as well, like the Living on the Land Learning Circles about sustainable homestead design.

Community-building is an important piece of the Organic Growers School mission; the group fosters initiatives such as the WNC CRAFT training program or the Apprentice Link database, which connect experienced farmers and gardeners with those just starting out. They also organize regular conferences bringing regional residents together to meet, learn, and share ideas. Organic Growers School also offers consulting services for food producers looking for site-specific sustainability advice, and informational guides on topics like container gardening or natural pest control. Supporters can assist the organization by donating online.

Supporters can assist the organization by donating online.

Next up is #2, Green Village Initiative. This non-profit's mission is to promote urban gardening and farming, strengthening neighborhoods and expanding food access in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They support community gardens throughout the city, helping to provide education and volunteers as well as more concrete resources like land, water, and soil. Many of these locations are key sources of fresh produce for locals, as well as spaces for neighbors to gather and celebrate; Reservoir Community Farm, their flagship location, hosts events like educational field trips and an annual Harvest Festival.

Green Village Initiative aims to empower area residents to take control of their own food supply. Educational initiatives like the Youth Leadership Program offer training in techniques of urban agriculture, as well as communication and organizational skills to equip participants as advocates for social justice. Meanwhile, their school gardens bring learning and hands-on experience in gardening, along with nutritious food, to children around the city. Interested readers can offer support by donating or helping as volunteers.

#3 on the list is Food Well Alliance, a network of local leaders collaborating to promote urban agriculture in the metropolitan region around Atlanta, Georgia. With resources like their tool lending program, or kits for easy production of compost as fertilizer, they offer support to individuals and neighborhood groups to produce nutritious and natural food where they reside. They also organize educational workshops on various aspects of small-scale farming, and community-building events such as the annual Soil Festival.

With resources like their tool lending program, or kits for easy production of compost as fertilizer, they offer support to individuals and neighborhood groups to produce nutritious and natural food where they reside.

Viewing urban farms and gardens as a key component of sustainable growth, Food Well Alliance works with local governments to develop strategic plans for expanded agricultural presence within cities. Their informational reports and public forums help to shape policy, while their grants for community gardens and innovative food access programs offer direct support to the people working to enrich their neighborhoods. The organization welcomes new members and the help of volunteers.

Coming in at #4 is Hillview Urban Agriculture Center, dedicated to providing the people of La Crosse, Wisconsin with healthy, locally sourced nutrition. This grassroots organization works to support all stages of the food cycle, from building rich soil through composting, to growing edible crops year-round in their greenhouse and hoop house. They donate much of the produce they generate to local charities, or sell it to finance their operations.

Education forms an important component of Hillview's mission. Through their Market Baskets Program, they offer classes aimed at bringing locals together to learn about preparing nourishing meals, or develop kitchen skills like preserving fruits and vegetables. The Future Iron Chef initiative focuses on building enthusiasm for healthy eating among teens, while their Come and Grow events provide practical experience with gardening. Anyone interested in supporting Hillview's work can donate through their website.

The Future Iron Chef initiative focuses on building enthusiasm for healthy eating among teens, while their Come and Grow events provide practical experience with gardening.

Capping off our list at #5 is Village Gardens, which works to build community solidarity and food security in low-income neighborhoods within North Portland, Oregon, through local agriculture projects run by residents. Since its creation in 2001 with a single garden plot, the organization has provided nourishment for under-served areas, employment experience for youths, and spaces for people to connect and interact.

The Seeds of Harmony Community Garden, Village Gardens' flagship operation, provides a location for neighbors to gather and for local families to gain experience cultivating food, and it also houses educational programs for young people. Meanwhile, their Village Market grocery store makes locally grown and nutritious produce available to a community where access is otherwise limited. Supporters can help the organization in a variety of ways, from volunteering at their programs to donating or hosting a fundraising house party.