Building a stronger community through gardening
Jeremy N. Smith, author of Growing a Garden City, presented the main points of his book to about 75 people at the Salt Lake City Public Library and via simulcast on KCPW on August 11, 2011.
A freelance journalist from Missoula, Montana, Jeremy presented the difference between Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and an Agriculture Supported Community. He also presented several positive outcomes of an Agriculture Supported Community.
“There isn’t a hero rushing in from the outside,” said Jeremy about Agriculture Supported Community. “Everyone is necessary; everyone belongs.”
CSA, which is like a farm subscription, is an important part of Agriculture Supported Community, which also includes community gardens and farmer’s markets.
The work done in Missoula shows that growing your own food and sharing it with others has a great effect on the community. Children eat healthier when they know where the food comes from – one class adopted kale as its snack food of choice.
At-risk youth who were a part of the garden decided to start up a Mobile Market to sell their garden foods at a discount to people with lower incomes. Not only did this give the youth important job skills, but it also helped senior citizens on a fixed income feel more connected to the community.
“What do I need? What can I contribute?” asked Jeremy. Who needs what I can contribute?
The project leads for Enjoying Life and Local Solutions collaborated to bring the Grow a Garden City movement to people’s attention. It is their hope that people will band together to create an Agriculture Supported Community.
This article originally appeared at examiner.com.
A freelance journalist from Missoula, Montana, Jeremy presented the difference between Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and an Agriculture Supported Community. He also presented several positive outcomes of an Agriculture Supported Community.
“There isn’t a hero rushing in from the outside,” said Jeremy about Agriculture Supported Community. “Everyone is necessary; everyone belongs.”
CSA, which is like a farm subscription, is an important part of Agriculture Supported Community, which also includes community gardens and farmer’s markets.
The work done in Missoula shows that growing your own food and sharing it with others has a great effect on the community. Children eat healthier when they know where the food comes from – one class adopted kale as its snack food of choice.
At-risk youth who were a part of the garden decided to start up a Mobile Market to sell their garden foods at a discount to people with lower incomes. Not only did this give the youth important job skills, but it also helped senior citizens on a fixed income feel more connected to the community.
“What do I need? What can I contribute?” asked Jeremy. Who needs what I can contribute?
The project leads for Enjoying Life and Local Solutions collaborated to bring the Grow a Garden City movement to people’s attention. It is their hope that people will band together to create an Agriculture Supported Community.
This article originally appeared at examiner.com.