Community Gardens - Filling the Need

Not too long ago, I read an article about a movement to bring together gardeners and those who were not able to provide enough food for their families. (My High School English teacher would have a fit if she knew I was writing this without citing my sources. )

That being said, the idea of planting extra and offering it to members of our communities is a brilliant idea and not a new one at that. In Biblical times, the accepted practice in some lands was to allow travelers a chance to pick from the trees that lined the roads of their journey.

The article went on to say, that several states were asking lawmakers for help in putting legislation on the books that would encourage more access to fruits and vegetables by promoting programs to help organize and maintain gardens within the community. In the case of the article I read, the idea started in one neighborhood of a small community. Once word spread of the idea, several other states followed suit.

The positive effects of this are obvious:
1) it brings people together with a common need or goal
2) provides fresh food grown locally
3) teaches sustainability and a respect for the land, and
4) provides much needed food supplies for people who may have no other way of providing for their families.

In this season of giving it is good to remember that much of what we are capable of starts with just one seed, one idea and the possibilities are endless.

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