Finding Purpose in a Community Food Garden

With poverty and hunger rates increasing in the US and gaps in wealth inequality widening like never before it is sometimes nice to realize local efforts that can make a difference. Community gardens are a place in our society where we can find purpose and in turn truly make a difference. We can literally be part of the change that will help bring food to the 50+ million hungry people in the US.

Working in such gardens can create community ties, establish bonds and bridges that were previously not there, and create alliances that will empower the entire community. Hunger is a widespread issue in this nation, and in many others, and a localized approach that invites and includes all members from the community will help solve such an issue.

Food deserts can be destroyed throughout the urban and rural US. As of now, estimates show that around 30 million people live in these food deserts. To be kind, I will not entirely blame the industrialized-food-system (IFS) and its advertised policies because I know it can be a logistical nightmare to try to adequately feed 320 million people. Localized-food-systems will compliment the IFS and together they can end hunger. Community food gardens can be a major base for these localized-food-systems.

With these localized-food-systems and sources food miles can be reduced, food waste can be avoided, maybe we could learn to eat seasonally since we will have a better connection and knowledge of our local foods.

This is why we can find such meaning and fulfillment in our community gardens, such work is really changing the world. Such work is addressing issues many turn a blind eye to. It is easy to put off these problems and expect someone else to address and assist. When community gardens are created and flourish we are saying that we want to be part of the solution and showing the world that these efforts will amount to an authentic difference.

Over 15 million children are going hungry in the US. Millions more have diet related health issues. “Overfed but undernourished” (Kristin Wartman). We do not have to accept this. We should not accept this. Numbers like this should bother us, especially as gaps in inequality are growing. We can change this.