"Community gardens have a long list of proven benefits including: less reliance on the destructive industrial food system, strengthening local food systems and economies, building community, accessing power, beautifying neighborhoods, reducing neighborhood crime, improving the urban ecosystem, improving access to healthy and culturally appropriate food, and facilitating connections across generations and cultures. Gardening provides us with fresh, nutrient-rich produce. It is a way to control what we put in our bodies. Growing food also impacts household food budgets, allowing families to step outside of the current economic structure. Community gardens are a great option for those unable to grow their own at home and for anyone who wants to grow food with others in a community setting!" -- from the Twin Cities Community Garden Start-Up Guide
A community garden is a valuable space where neighbors come together to grow a garden and to grow a community. Community gardens can foster social engagement and cohesion, building neighborhood relationships and understanding among diverse groups. Empowering people to grow food locally improves food security and community resilience as well as reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
The resources provided in this Community Gardens section of Planting Westchester are offered with the hope that they will enable people to create and sustain community gardens that can make their neighborhoods healthier and more vibrant.