Last week I made the official, public announcement that I’m closing down my nonprofit and leaving the nonprofit world. Twenty-three-plus years of often 60-70 hour weeks, struggling the last few to try to get funding, and not paying myself for four years had taken its toll. Among other things.
Growing food in public spaces has become more popular over the past few years, especially since the pandemic uncovered how serious food insecurity has become. With public planting, edible plants are grown on sidewalks, in front yards, in public parks, and outside of buildings for anyone to enjoy.
Gleaning has been around for centuries – it’s simply the act of harvesting leftover food from fields. In the past, the less fortunate were given the opportunity to come into fields and take food they needed; today, volunteers tend to gather the food and donate to a group that then distributes it to those in need.
Looking for a simple solution to many of today’s problems? Easy. Provide communities the tools and resources they need so residents can plant food in public spaces for neighbors to eat and share for free.
