Community gardens are a way to grow your own fresh produce. Some community garden programs also offer workshops on how to plant your own crops, composting, and nutrition. Community gardens are also a good way to get children involved in the growing process and get them excited about eating more fruits and vegetables.
Community gardens are both beneficial to the environment and to the communities. Many gardens encourage organic growing, eliminating the use of pesticides that harm the environment. The gardens also add beauty to a neighborhood or community and serve to bring neighbors together. These gardens also increase communities’ access to healthy foods.
CATA – The Farmworker Support Committee, a member organization of EarthShare New Jersey, has been establishing organic community gardens in low-income migrant communities to provide better access to healthy, organic foods.
Currently, CATA has two community gardens, one in Bridgeton, NJ and one in Kennett Square, PA. Along with increasing the community’s food security, these gardens keep traditional agriculture practices alive; beautify the neighborhood and increase neighborhood pride; encourage friendly interaction between neighbors across social and cultural barriers; promote a generally healthier lifestyle; and increase children’s food and agricultural literacy.Visit CATA’s Facebook page to see pictures of these gardens.
Greater Newark Conservancy, also a member of EarthShare New Jersey, has a community gardening program as well. The program helps residents transform abandoned city-owned lots in Newark, NJ to serve various community uses with an emphasis on growing vegetables and fruit to help supplement the community’s nutritional needs. Greater Newark Conservancy provides guidance and supplies for residents to set up the garden as well as horticultural workshops and ongoing assistance. Learn more about the Conservancy’s Community Garden Program here.
Community garden projects are popping up in many places. Want to know if there is a community garden near you? Find out here.