query: community gardens

[colist-admin at comm-org.utoledo.edu]

[ed:  thanks to Rhonda and John for more interesting community gardening
stuff.]

From: Rhonda Teitel-Payne <rhondap at interlog.com>

Hi Randy!

I wanted to add something to Linda's piece about Toronto community
gardens.  Peter might want to contact Laura Berman at FoodShare here in
Toronto at cgnetwork at foodshare.net or check out the Toronto Community
Garden Network website at www.foodshare.net/grow.htm.  Laura also runs a
great listserv with gardening tips as well as relevant info (local and
worldwide).

I got into community gardening last February through my work at STOP
103, a food bank that is trying to move beyond a charity model of
handing out food. We are starting more community-development type
projects to get people more actively involved in food security
strategies (all the while realizing that it's just a drop in the bucket
- community gardens, kitchens and food buying clubs can't take the place
of having a half decent income).  

Our garden started as a partnership with the local Parks and Rec
Department.  They gave us the space, expertise and a lot of the supplies
we needed.  We also worked with the Public Health Department and some of
the local schools. We went to the schools and planted seeds in the
classrooms (from JK to grade 8) and then the kids came to the garden to
plant the seedlings.  The garden is tended by volunteers (some of whom
use our services) and then the vegetables are distributed through the
food bank.  So, in addition to getting fresh veggies, people feel better
about coming to the food bank (they are giving something back again) and
they get to meet other people in the neighbourhood and share resources.

On a policy level, the Parks and Rec Department presented a Community
Garden Action Plan calling for at least one community garden in every
city ward.  This was approved by the Environmental Task Force of city
council.  Also, just a little while ago the city held an awards night
where community gardens were recognized.  Originally it was intended to
be an event to award prizes to the best private gardens, but it was
expanded to support the work of community groups.  

To all those who want to start community gardens, I say go, go, go!  The
more the better!

Rhonda Teitel-Payne
Food Security Program Worker
STOP 103
Toronto

***********************************

From: "John M. Beam" <beam1 at ix.netcom.com>

The Green Guerillas in NYC have provided technical assistance and
material for community gardens for years.  212-674-8124.  I'd be really
surprised if they don't have a website by now, but I don't have the URL.

The City has Operation Green Thumb which leases/lends City-owned vacant
lots to community groups.  Of course, when it comes time to sell off the
lot to some gentrifying developer or corporate non-profit, the
neighborhood loses its capital and sweat equity.

Which leads to the recent local issue in which the City tried to divest
itself of scores of gardens, supposedly to facilitate housing
development.  (Only a small percentage of City-owned lots are gardens,
leading to the question "Why these?" )  Aggressive, creative community
action and Bette Midler and land trust organizations saved the day, but
the issue lingers.  Peter should check the New York Times and maybe call
the folks at City Limits, which must have had something on it.

Organize,

John M. Beam
Pumphouse Projects