March 18, 2014

Last Friday, Nick was proud to attend the 2^nd annual Village Gardens fundraiser at the University of Portland.

Village Gardens is a true community-driven success story. Dedicated to removing barriers to healthy and affordable food in North Portland neighborhoods, the non-profit helps people grow and share healthy food, offers after-school and summer activities for youth, runs a healthy food market, and more.

North Portland neighbors and Janus Youth leaders like Dennis Morrow and Amber Baker have helped Village Gardens grow from planting its first community garden in 2001, to launching new and innovative programs over the last 13 years.

In 2006, Village Gardens broke ground on the Food Works Farm on Sauvie Island, which gives youth the opportunity to learn how to plan, plant, and harvest an organic farm. In 2011, the non-profit Village Market grocery store opened up in the heart of the New Columbia neighborhood – bringing fresh, healthy foods to the neighborhood.

In October 2013, Portland City Council was proud to award a grant to support the market’s operations. The grant will help keep the doors open as the market moves toward financial self-sufficiency.

Congratulations to Amber, Dennis, and the Village Gardens community for a wonderful evening!

If you are interested in volunteering for Village Gardens, or would like to support their work, please visit the Village Gardens website.

Photograph courtesy of Catharine Zeller