Growing To Give, Freeing People From Hunger
Imagine A World where the most resourceful and productive community farms and gardens thrive, nourishing communities with fresh and sustainable produce. Now, imagine those farm and gardens being gifted to communities who are passionate about sustaining them for years to come. That's what we're all about at Growing to Give - creating a movement of generosity and empowerment through innovation in agriculture.
Agriculture is not just a means of survival for people in need in these communities but also a source of pride and purpose. It's a way for people to connect with the land and with each other, a way to grow to give, learn new skills, and to contribute to the common good. By promoting sustainable farm and garden practices, Growing To Give intends to free millions from hunger.
Who We Are: Our Mission
Growing to Give is committed to alleviating hunger, promoting food security and environmental stewardship through the development and enhancement of community and backyard gardens and small scale farms using innovative, sustainable agriculture technologies and practices. Our mission is to empower marginalized, low income, climate vulnerable communities to grow their own fresh produce, thereby reducing reliance on traditional food distribution systems.
Our Values:
EMPOWERMENT: We believe in empowering individuals with the knowledge, tools, and resources to grow their own food and take control of their well-being.
SUSTAINABILITY: We are committed to sustainable practices that protect the environment, conserve resources, and promote resilience in our communities.
INCLUSION: We embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming space where all individuals can participate and thrive.
COLLABORATION: We believe in the power of collaboration and partnerships to drive positive change and maximize our impact.
INNOVATION: We embrace innovation and constantly seek new ways to improve and enhance our programs and initiatives.
Statement of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity:
At Growing to Give, we believe in the power of diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting equity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or ability, has equal access to the benefits of farming and community gardening. We celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that each person brings, and we actively work to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for all.
We Make Agiculture Fun
At Growing to Give, we believe that gardening should be a joyful and fulfilling experience. We infuse our programs and initiatives with a sense of fun, creativity, and adventure. From our lively community events to our engaging workshops and activities, we aim to inspire a love for growing food and the mysteries of nature and create an atmosphere of joy, connection, and shared experiences. Get ready to dig in, have fun, and discover the incredible rewards of growing your own food!
Programs
Our Community Food Ambassador Program was created for those that want to adopt a more proactive role in their communities. The Community Food Ambassador Program combines elements of community service, education, and sustainability to address the challenge of rising costs and accessibility of fresh produce. Learn More
Growing to Give is committed to accelerating change by offering innovative and scalable solutions that will be implemented globally through our Strengthening Community Gardens program across America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Learn More
The purpose of our programs are twofold. Firstly, we aim to provide resources, support, and innovative solutions to community gardens across America and then around the world. We work closely with community garden leaders and participants to provide tools, guidance, and educational resources to optimize food production, promote ecological sustainability, and foster community engagement.
Secondly, we actively advocate for the importance of community gardens in promoting food security, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Through public outreach, education, and collaboration with like-minded organizations, we seek to raise awareness about the benefits of community gardening and inspire individuals and communities to embrace this transformative practice.
By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering connections, and nurturing a sense of ownership and pride, we aim to build stronger and more resilient communities. Through our efforts, we strive to create a future where everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food, where community members are actively engaged in sustainable food production, and where communities thrive through shared gardening experiences.
Our programs give communities what they need to take control of their food resources, fostering food security, and creating a more sustainable and equitable society.
Projects
Our projects span the globe from a small community garden in Ohio that grows fresh produce for refugees from Nepal and Burma to schools in Ethiopia and food desert gardens that feed people in need.
Wherever we grow, we reduce poverty and improve food security by teaching people a new way to grow food, a way that uses less water, less space and is more sustainable.
In South Africa, Growing To Give is supporting 14 community gardens and an agroforestry project along the Garden Route called Unthiqua. A church sponsored community farm site in Canada provides 100,000 pounds of produce to local food banks and the Salvation Army.
In Arizona, we are growing 20,000 pounds of Poblano peppers in the middle of the desert. Las Vegas has become the most unsustainable city in the world. The re-emergence of a farm on Las Vegas Boulevard after three quarters of a century would make a powerful statement for sustainability and support a vision to grow food locally and in a sustainable resource efficient way all while supporting growing numbers of people in poverty.
The world’s islands are facing a perfect storm in the wake of the pandemic – food inflation, broken supply chains, water scarcity and limited arable land have ushered in a threat of food insecurity that has governments recognizing the immediate need for rapid development of island agriculture.
Growing To Give is currently developing agricultural food security sites in The Turks and Caicos, the Cayman Islands, the USVI, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, St. Martin and Nevis.