People's Garden Initiative

     In 2009, the US Department of Agriculture started the People's Garden Initiative program.  This program is a collaborative effort of community organizations to establish community gardens across the country.  The USDA believes that " the simple act of planting a garden can help unite neighborhoods in a common effort and inspire locally-led solutions to challenges facing our country-- from hunger to the environment."
     A People's Garden project can be everything from a community run vegetable garden that donates it's food to a local shelter or food pantry, to a recreational space that encourages wildlife, native plants and water conservation.  In order to qualify for designation in the initiative, gardens must fulfill three requirements.  They must benefit the community, they must be collaborative-- created and maintained by a partnership of organizations, and they need to incorporate sustainable practices.
     This is another example of how living an environmental friendly life, engaging in sustainable practices and caring for God's creation serves the dual purpose of helping others. Check out the links below to find out more information on this program.

     What are you doing today to sustain God's Green Earth?

USDA People's Garden Website

People's Garden Brochure