There are more than 100 community gardens in and around Houston supported by Urban Harvest. Community garden volunteers are growing fruits and vegetables for donation, to educate students, to provide therapy, to sell and to take home. Below are descriptions of the different purposes community gardens serve.
Donation
Gardens
Hunger is a chronic problem in Texas; more than half a million people are
estimated to go without food for part of the month. Donation gardens are
often located at churches and other places of worship, and the vegetables
they grow are donated to food pantries.
School
Gardens
Houston is one of dozens of cities around the nation with growing numbers
of gardens on school campuses. Children learn science, math and other subjects
through garden projects, as well as building teamwork and decision-making
skills.
Neighborhood
or Allotment Gardens
Community gardens in neighborhood parks or vacant lots can consist of individual
family plots or a group gardening effort. These gardens provide an opportunity
for neighbors to come together and grow nutritious food while creating a
beautiful destination for community
members to spend time in.
Therapy
Gardens
Gardens at hospitals, clinics, or special needs schools provide therapy to
the disabled as well as an inexpensive source of nutrition. Gardens at elder
care centers inspire residents to get exercise and fresh air while working
with their neighbors in a community setting.
Market
Gardens
Community gardens can provide a source of income for low-income residents
as well as entrepreneurs. Local growers sell produce to individuals, restaurants
and in farmers’ markets.
