7.4: Enhancing the local values chain with community gardens feat. Doug Jones

In this episode, Ariel interviews Doug Jones from Waterloo Region Community Garden Network, and he discusses about how the Network was started, what it does, and the benefits of gardening for the health and wellbeing not only for you but for your entire community. We discuss gleaning, food insecurity, access to land, and much more; this is an episode you’re going to want to listen to, especially if rising cost of food and food security are concerns for you these days.

I (Ariel) have included some links to the local organizations he mentions, as well as some that expand on some of the topics we discussed, which you can check out in the YouTube description or on our blog.

#SolarPunk #SolarpunkPresentsPodcast #podcast #food #FoodProduction #LandAccess #CommunityGardens #CommunityGardening #FoodSecurity #Ontario #Canada #RegionOfWaterloo

https://youtu.be/jgj-6UCOkWY?si=M9jGWRTiBh8v3ZcZ

Consider planting an extra row for the hungry in your garden this spring

If you’re going to plant fruits, vegetables or herbs this spring, why not grow some extra for your local soup kitchen or pantry?

By JESSICA DAMIANO, March 18, 2025

"If you’re gearing up to plant fruits, vegetables or herbs this spring, why not grow some extra to donate to your local #SoupKitchen or #FoodPantry?

"The national #PlantARowForTheHungry campaign, launched in 1995, has been encouraging home and community gardeners to do just that every year to help feed neighbors in need of fresh food.

"The program was spearheaded in 1995 by Anchorage Daily News garden columnist Jeff Lowenfels, who wrote a column encouraging his readers to plant extra crops and donate their harvests.

"After seeing the impact that his column had on local food donations, Lowenfels partnered with GardenComm International, then known as Garden Writers of America, to enlist garden columnists all over the country to promote the cause in their own communities. Since then, more than 20 million pounds of produce, providing more than 80 million meals, have been donated through the campaign by home gardeners.

"'All of this has been achieved without government subsidy or bureaucratic red tape — just people helping people,' according to organizers on the campaign’s website. And there’s no big advertising campaign, either — just garden columnists and their readers spreading the word."

Read more:
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/03/18/gardening-for-the-hungry/
#BuildingCommunity #FoodInsecurity #FoodSecurity #SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens

#MonroeCountyMI - Got a library card? You can check-out a free #GardenPlot in Monroe

by Susan Nolan Wisler, March 23, 2025

MONROE COUNTY — "Now that it's spring, it’s time to reserve your community garden plot. Monroe County has several options, including some plots that can be checked-out free with a library card.

Monroe County Library System

"'The #BedfordBranchLibrary and the #BlueBushBranchLibrary both have garden plots that patrons can utilize. It is very similar to borrowing a book, but you 'check-out' a garden plot for the whole growing season. You can find them in our online catalog,' said Barbra Krueger, who works in community outreach for the Monroe County Library System.

"The Bedford Branch, 8575 Jackman Road in #TemperanceMI, has 10 garden beds; four are still available. The Blue Bush Branch, 2210 Blue Bush Road in #MonroeMI, has four beds that are all still available.

[...]

"Today, Blue Bush offers gardeners use of #rainwater collection barrels, a #CompostBin and a #GardenShed, which was purchased by the Friends of the Frenchtown Area Library. Inside the shed are gloves, rakes, hoes and trowels. Blue Bush also has a #SeedLibrary."

Learn more:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/03/23/community-garden-plots-raised-beds-monroe-county-library-system-munson-park-st-mary-organic-garden/82563173007/
#Michigan #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #LibrariesRule !

How America's Youth Is Transforming Food Deserts into Food Oases!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1X3s3fvJfU

In New Mexico's desert incredible transformations are happening to turn urban wastelands into thriving edible gardens.
Project Feed the Hood is a food literacy and community gardening initiative of SWOP that aims to improve community health through education and revival of traditional growing methods.

#PhiladelphiaPA: ‘Beyond frustrating’: Sheriff’s Office problems prevent #LandBank from buying lots for #CommunityGardens, houses

Story by William Bender, Ryan W. Briggs, March 10, 2025

"Last May, City Council passed a routine bill that amended the Philadelphia Code in order to preserve the Land Bank’s ability to acquire tax-delinquent lots at sheriff sales.

"The bill was essentially a bit of legal housekeeping. It tightened up the city’s land-acquisition process in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court case in Minnesota over a property forfeiture.

"The goal was simple: Enable the city’s Land Bank, a quasi-governmental agency, to protect 90 or so parcels of community gardens from development and continue with its overall mission of repurposing #vacant or blighted land into #AffordableHousing and other projects that benefit the public.

"The bill passed 17-0. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker — whose administration helped draft the legislation — promptly signed it into law in June 2024.

"Yet, nine months later, the Land Bank has yet to acquire the garden parcels at sheriff sale.

"In fact, it has been unable to purchase any properties through sheriff sale — for the last five years.

"The reason: a problem in Sheriff Rochelle Bilal’s office. Again."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/beyond-frustrating-sheriff-s-office-problems-prevent-land-bank-from-buying-lots-for-community-gardens-houses/ar-AA1AB9qk
#ACAB #CommunityGardens #PublicBenefit

#SpringfieldIL #CommunityGarden Seeks Applicants for 2025 Season

March 13, 2025 in Local News |

"The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) seeks individuals or families interested in starting their own garden to raise fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in a community setting. The IDOA’s Community Garden is located on the infield of the #IllinoisStateFair Grandstand racetrack and features 200 garden plots. Of those plots, 100 are designated for organic gardening, and the remaining 100 plots are assigned for non-organic gardening. Each plot costs $20 and can be tilled for you for an additional charge. The Department will supply water and #compost free of charge. Those interested in participating in the 2025 growing season are encouraged to fill out a garden application on the IDOA website: agr.illinois.gov/consumers/communitygarden.html Completed applications and payments can be returned by mail or to the front desk of the IDOA at the John R. Block Building, Attention: Community Garden, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL 62794. If you would like more information about this year’s Community Garden, visit the IDOA website or contact the Department at (217) 785-8300."

http://www.lawndalenews.com/2025/03/community-garden-seeks-applicants-for-2025-season/
#FoodSovereignty #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #SolarPunkSunday #Illinois

#CommunityGardens help fill the gap with rising grocery costs

by Carlee Bronkema Mar 10, 2025

#SpringfieldIL - "When grocery bills start climbing, fresh fruits and vegetables are often the first to go. But community gardens in Springfield are hoping to help fill the gap, and provide healthy choices for the community.

"'We not only have the produce available, but produce of a quality that really makes us proud,' said Yves Doumen, Founder and Director of Motherland Gardens Community Project. 'We started this as a response to food insecurity during COVID... we really have a lot of issues with food supply in the community where we are.'

"Motherland has already started growing several varieties of vegetables, using a green house on the property. They have an area with personal plots, where community members can 'rent' a bed to grow plants in. They also have communal plots, where they grow the food they provide to community members.

"The Enos Park community Gardens also provides a similar service in Springfield. They have a mix of both communal and personal plots in their garden space. Manager Carey Smith says they have a large waitlist for their personal plots, and believes it could be due to the cost of fresh produce in the store.

"'In our neighborhood we have an expensive grocery store so a lot of people do shop for their groceries at the dollar store, which is not ideal,' said Smith. 'To be able to supplement with fruits and vegetables from out garden is really helpful. We also see people who come from the hospital who are told to change their diets immediately and they go to the grocery store and can't afford that.'

"In 2024, the Enos Park has 2,300 visitor and volunteer engagements. They provide their produce to their volunteers, a food pantry and a community center. They also host few farmer's markets on Saturdays once summer produce starts kicking in.

"Smith and Doumen both say they think demand will increase in coming months due to tariffs, rising costs, and the end of food-related aid programs.

"Motherland starts providing produce at the end of June twice a week. As more plants start to grow, they will provide food to whoever stops by when it is available. They also hold events to educate community members about growing their own food, cooking with local produce, and handing out surplus supplies."

https://www.wandtv.com/community/community-gardens-help-fill-the-gap-with-rising-grocery-costs/article_9196419c-fdf6-11ef-a2c5-ab4569311f0f.html
#FoodSovereignty #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #SolarPunkSunday

#DuarteCA #CommunityGarden to be developed at #TzeitelParasCaracciPark

March 12, 2025

"Duarte residents will soon have a new space to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors. Last month, the Duarte City Council approved the development of the Duarte Community Garden at Tzeitel Paras-Caracci Park (2701 Royal Oaks Drive).

"'This project exemplifies our dedication to creating #sustainable, #accessible spaces for our residents,' said Mayor Cesar A. Garcia. 'This garden will not only enhance the beauty of our park but also provide a space where our community can come together, learn, and share in the joy of nature. I am excited to see this project grow and look forward to it becoming a vibrant part of our community.'

"The goal of the Duarte Community Garden is to increase #FoodSovereignty by creating garden plots for community members to grow healthy food, cultivate agricultural literacy with educational programs, gather community by creating a welcoming and accessible garden space, and perform ecosystem services by removing grass, installing a sustainable #DripIrrigation system, building a #NativeHabitatGarden, and collecting #compost.

"The garden will feature 20 plots and two #ADAAccessible raised beds, available for rent at $5 per month. Community members can plant edible (excluding smokable) plants and flowers for personal, noncommercial use. It will include a storage shed with garden tools, an irrigation system promoting sustainable practices, and ADA-accessible decomposed granite pathways.

"The garden will be run in partnership with Food Exploration and Discovery (#FoodEd), a nonprofit organization that collaborates with San Gabriel Valley communities to create edible education sites and provide programs on #ecosystem #stewardship, healthy living, #environmental innovation, and entrepreneurship.

"Food Ed’s educational model will support gardeners of all skill levels, providing supplies and plants for beginners while experienced gardeners can use their own resources. The garden will also offer picnic benches for community #gatherings and host educational programs on topics like #VegetableGardening, #composting, #DroughtTolerant landscaping, and #SoilHealth.

"As the lead on this grant project, Food Ed will be responsible for building the #DuarteCommunityGarden. This includes overseeing site construction, collecting infrastructure bids, contractor management, program management, community engagement and workshops/events, processing plot holder applications, plant and soil replenishment, above ground irrigation repairs, developing the garden’s webpage and branding and overall garden management through October of 2026.

"For more information on the Duarte Community Garden, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (626) 357-7931."

Source:
https://heysocal.com/2025/03/12/duarte-community-garden-to-be-developed-at-tzeitel-paras-caracci-park/
#ThirdSpaces #SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #California #SolarPunk #Composting