Community Gardens

The USDA estimates that 15 percent of the world’s food is grown in cities, and that number is expected to increase in the future. Community gardens are one way cities promote outdoor activity and local agriculture in urban areas.

The USDA estimates that 15 percent of the world’s food is grown in cities, and that number is expected to increase in the future. Community gardens are one way cities promote outdoor activity and local agriculture in urban areas.

Many major cities have community garden programs, run by either the parks and recreation department or by private organizations, such as schools and churches. The goal of a community garden is to beautify empty space while giving it a sustainable purpose, as well as providing an activity over which residents of the community can bond and work together. One of the greatest benefits is how community gardens can introduce children to gardening and help them learn healthy eating habits.

Community gardens are often started in vacant lots or on rooftops. Depending on the organization that runs it, the gardens can provide food for anyone who works in them or all fresh veggies from the harvest may be given to charity to ensure that people in need have access to fresh foods.