Alice's Garden...

BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY GARDENS

Community gardens increase a sense of community ownership and stewardship.

Community gardens foster the development of a community identity and spirit.

Community gardens bring people together from a wide variety of backgrounds (age, race, culture, social class).

Community gardens build community leaders.

Community gardens provide opportunities to meet neighbors.

Community gardens increase eyes on the street.

Community gardens take advantage of the experience of elders to produce a significant amount of food for the household,

Community gardens provide inter-generational exposure to cultural traditions,

Community gardens allow families without their own land to grow their own food.     

Studies have shown that community gardeners and their children eat healthier diets than do non-gardening families.

Exposure to green space reduces stress and increases a sense of wellness and belonging.

Community gardens provide a safe, social gathering space.

Scientific studies show that crime decreases in neighborhoods as the amount of green space increases. 

Community gardens offer unique opportunities to teach youth about where food comes from, practical math skills, basic business principles, the importance of community and stewardship, issues of environmental sustainability.

Community gardening is a healthy, inexpensive activity for youth that can bring them closer to nature, and allow them to interact with each other in a socially meaningful and physically productive way.