Community Strong

Community gardens make it possible for many people to enjoy a resource, land for gardening. It is not just the gardeners themselves who gain from community gardens. The benefits extend to the rest of the neighborhood.

Here are some benefits of community gardens:

· Beautifying Cities and Towns: Community gardening turns areas into vibrant green space. 

· Fresh Produce: Community gardens provide fresh, nutritious produce for many families, improving their diet and their overall health. They can also relieve hunger by donating their excess produce to food pantries.

· Healthy Lifestyles: Community gardening gives people a chance to enjoy fresh air and healthy outdoor exercise. They also provide a peaceful retreat easing stress for residents.

· A Cleaner Environment: The plants in a community garden add oxygen to the air and help reduce air pollution. They also absorb rainwater, reducing the amount of runoff that runs through the streets and carries pollutants into rivers and lakes. 

· Stronger Communities: Sharing a community garden gives people a chance to connect with their neighbors. Gardeners also feel more personally invested in the places where they live, gaining a sense of ownership and community spirit. 

· Educational Opportunities: Working in a community garden is a good way to learn about where food comes from and gain a basic introduction to environmental issues, work skills, and business principles. Community gardens give people a chance to meet and learn about neighbors who come from different backgrounds, including people of different ages, races, cultures, and social classes.

A healthy you creates a healthy we.

Home gardening invites you to get outside, interact with neighbors and other family members, and take charge of your own need for exercise, healthy food, and beautiful surroundings.

The physical work of gardening can have a positive affect on your physical strength, heart health, weight, sleep, and immune systems. 

Gardening can also cultivate feelings of empowerment, connection, and creative calm.

• Increase access to fresh foods.
• Improve food security
• Increase physical activity through garden maintenance activities.
• Improve dietary habits through education.
• Increase fruit and vegetable intake.
• Reduce risk of obesity and obesity-related diseases.
• Improve mental health and promote relaxation