March 16, 2011

Portlanders want access to fresh, healthy food. Community gardens are a great way to help people grow their own food, get to know their neighbors, and spent time outdoors.

Through our Community Gardens initiative, we're working to add 1,000 new community garden plots by 2012.

We're not alone in recognizing the importance of community gardens. We've had great support from lots of community partners, two of which are highlighted in the Oregonian today. Last year, Central Northeast Neighbors Coalition worked with Portland State University to launch GardenNet, a program that offers lots of resources for local gardeners.

Emily Hicks from our office spoke with Larry Bingham for his story, sharing that we hope to build 8 new gardens by the end of the year, including 4 this spring - Clarendon, Furey, Vermont Hills, and Blair.

"The second part of our initiative this year," Emily reported, "is strengthening our partnerships."

With our many outstanding partners, we're confident that we'll meet our goal to bring opportunities to grow healthy food to more Portlanders than ever before.

Thanks to flickr user donkeycart for the great photo!