Food insecurity is on the rise all across America and community gardens can have a big impact. Research shows community gardens, which can provide 20 servings of produce for every 11 feet, can help reduce household food security concerns by up to 90%.
Jyoti Stephens
Vice President of Mission and Strategy, Nature’s Path
“Community gardens play a vital role in increasing access to organic food for everyone.”
One company is supporting community gardens in a major way. Nature’s Path Organic Foods, which is the largest organic breakfast and snack food company in North America, is committed to donating $1,000,000 by 2028 to its annual Gardens for Good program. The company — a trailblazer and thought leader in organics — is certified organic and uses vegan, non-GMO ingredients. They’re committed to being socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and financially viable.
“Community gardens play a vital role in increasing access to organic food for everyone,” said Jyoti Stephens, Vice President of Mission and Strategy for Nature’s Path. “Not only do community gardens bring people together to connect in nature, they can also increase food security by providing access to fresh and nutritious organic food, where they otherwise may not be easily available.”
The gardens help meet the community’s need for healthy, nutritious food, especially during this period of inflation. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says food-at-home prices grew more than 11% last year, compared to a typical 2% annual increase. Canadian at-home food costs have grown in the past year, too.
Stephens says every $1 invested in a community garden yields approximately $6 worth of produce. The food that’s grown is a healthier option compared to non-organic, too. Many peer-reviewed studies show that organic produce has more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients than their non-organic counterparts.
Impactful outcomes
Gardens for Good started in 2010, and so far, Nature’s Path has donated more than $615,000 to over 74 community gardens in the United States and Canada. This year, Nature’s Path is awarding each of the 15 community garden winners $7,500. That’s more than previous years’ grants, but the goal is to have more impactful outcomes for the gardeners.
Past Gardens for Good grant recipients include urban farms, school community gardens, and community gardens at food banks and YMCA locations. Grant recipients appreciate the investment Nature’s Path is making in their programs and the community.
“Receiving our grant from Nature’s Path in 2017 was incredibly valuable for us and contributed to an important time of growth,” said Alexa Pitoulis, executive director of Fresh Roots, a non-profit organization working with school communities in Vancouver, Canada. “The funds enabled us to launch additional school yard farming programs and distribute more delicious, organic food into schools and local communities.”
This year, 10 gardens in the United States and five gardens in Canada will be awarded grants. All community garden applicants must be organic and non-profit certified to qualify for the program.
Empowering and nourishing local communities
Now, Nature’s Path wants consumers to choose which community gardens receive Gardens for Good donations to help the recipients significantly improve their gardens.
Consumers are encouraged to vote for the community garden of their choice. By voting, they’re helping make a positive social impact. Gardens for Good empowers and nourishes communities across North America. It puts money directly into the hands of deserving, organic gardeners, helps reduce household food security concerns, and supports local communities.