You can do this for your health, your community, and the planet.
There is talk these days about a certain virus and its impacts on our lives. How we interact with others, how we work and how we attend school are just some of the conversations we are having.
There were so many people working to make the world a better place whether through improving drinking water, studying infectious diseases, reducing maternal mortality, or decreasing food insecurity. Public health, as a topic of concern, is everywhere, which means that increasingly public health is part of every sphere, in grocery stores, in national parks, in offices, in homes. Public health can also be found in the activity known as Community Gardening. There is a group in the Tampa Bay area (Florida, U.S.)- the Coalition of Community Gardens, who have come together to support local community gardens and to promote the establishment of additional community gardens. Here is a short story about community gardening and the good it does for personal and community health and the health of our planet.
But first, a little history- Community Gardens have roots in the Victory Garden movement that gained support during World War I (1914-1918). At that time Victory Gardens were encouraged by governments in the United States and Canada to grow vegetables, fruit, and other edibles in plots planted at private residences and public parks as the war effort required the existing fresh fruit and vegetable supply to serve soldiers overseas. Then, as now, gardeners could feel empowered by their contribution to their community- growing fresh, healthy food for the betterment of health, the growth of the community, and the enjoyment of harvest.
So, what is a Community Garden? The American Community Gardening Association states, "Community gardens create common ground, accessible to all, for growing fresh vegetables, cultivating understanding, strengthening neighborhoods, and sharing the joys of gardening." A community garden can be urban, suburban, or rural. It can be used to grow flowers, vegetables, or a community. It can be one community plot or many individual plots. It can be located at a school, park, hospital, or in a neighborhood.
Another way of thinking about community gardens is as “community-managed open spaces." These differ from a park or public space where some other entity ultimately decides the purpose of the site and maintains it. Community gardens are where the residents of a community are empowered to design, build, and maintain spaces in the community.
No doubt some of you have concerns about where our vegetables and fruits are grown, whether pesticides were used, if they were grown locally, are they genetically modified, were they grown in organic soil. A simple step to addressing these concerns may be to consider growing your vegetables yourself but how to get started? That is where the Community Garden comes in. It is a surprise to the novice that growing food can be challenging but if you follow common practices you will often be rewarded in unexpected ways.
A community garden is always good news and encouragement, so don’t go it alone if you can. Join a garden, or consider starting one for the fun of it all. Tributes from members of local community gardens tell it all. From Paul, “My gardening time at the community garden has saved my sanity during some tough times.” From Joyce, “I have learned so much and now I am teaching others.” From Barb, “after joining our community garden, it takes me twice as long to get my grocery shopping done because I keep running into fellow gardeners.” From Lena, “We have seen the growth in our community as a result of our community garden.”
There are so many benefits of community gardening. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers are so much better than those commercially sold. There is a delight tasting a fresh tomato picked from the vine or the crunch of a ripe bell pepper or the fragrant smell of a flower. Working outside with the smell and feel of the earth in your hands is quite grounding, literally! The exercise is good for you and you will share many conversations and laughter with your fellow gardeners. Many gardeners like to get their children or parents involved and the camaraderie of shared toil can bring you closer to your family. I have met many people from different cultures. I have been gifted recipes to test out with my endless tomatoes and greens. I have swapped some of my prodigious vegetables for others I did not have. Knowing where our food comes from and having an appreciation for how food is grown is so important for children to understand. Many community gardens in our area donate produce to soup kitchens and food pantries. And who knew that when neighbors come together, it provides an 'eyes on the street' and shared knowledge of what is happening in the community can reduce the incidence and impact of crime.
When I planted the first seeds, covered them with soil, and watered them, I had no idea that the bounty I would receive would be far more than tomatoes and greens. Amazing!
10072021A1/4
Next week - Community Gardens - For Your Health, Your Community, The Planet - Empowerment.
This is one part of a multi-part story. To view past installments and other stories, please visit our blog, Learn-Engage-Empower at im4u.world and subscribe to get the stories delivered weekly to your inbox.
This story is among many that inspired us to create im4u.world, an ambitious project to build positive and constructive conversations around the world, share learning experiences to create real change at the local level. It is easy to join us. Simply start by filling out our Global Survey, a short 15 question survey asking you what the most important issues are facing humanity. Your voice matters and we are listening.
Comments