Sunday, May 1, 2016

Springfield Community Gardens



Springfield Community Gardens (SCG) first took root when a small group of residents, university students, and professionals joined together with the idea of forming a neighborhood garden in the Grant Beach Neighborhood. After just a few months, the Springfield Community Gardens are already making a difference for the families who work with them. Springfield Community Gardens is just that—a community. Tending the garden alongside one another fosters involvement and growth for the neighborhood as a whole, so it's only natural these gardens are growing strong around town. It's wonderful to see so many others joining the community, and help plan or maintain as many neighborhood gardens as it takes to wipe out hunger in Springfield. They hope to spread roots all over The Ozarks.
Construction of the Grant Beach Community Garden began in 2010 with the assistance of the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department and the City of Springfield’s Neighborhoods and Planning Office. Since then, they have grown steadily. In 2014, with Ozarks Food Harvest, they distributed over 40,000 pounds of produce to families in need, and volunteers logged more than 1500 hours in SCG gardens. Dedicated volunteers ensure that Springfield Community Gardens will continue to enrich the community.
The Springfield Community Gardens has nurtured partnerships with some incredibly generous organizations that share our dedication to improving local neighborhoods. They and their partners understand that helping people grow their own healthy food fosters better eating habits, reduces budget strains, and builds life skills and community pride. Learn more about how you can be involved at the Springfield Community Gardens website.
Listen to the interview.