Early this month Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the week of August 23-29 would be National Community Garden Week. Next week is the week of August 23-29.Vilsack wants the week to highlight the relationship between food, the land, and local communities. Additionally, the Secretary pointed out that farmer's markets and community gardens educate and help local communities eat healthy. As the Secretary stated in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) news release, '"Community gardens provide numerous benefits including opportunities for local food production, resource conservation, and neighborhood beautification," said Vilsack. "But they also promote family and community interaction and enhance opportunities to eat healthy, nutritious foods. Each of these benefits is something we can and should strive for."'
On August 6, 2009, the American Community Gardening Association "was presented with the official proclamation" at their 30th Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The Association promotes the importance and benefits of community gardens. The USDA resources available to community gardens range from grants and technical assistance, to informational materials.
"The People's Garden" is at the USDA's Headquarters on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Nationwide there are thousands of community gardens. To read the USDA news release on National Community Garden Week click here.
Posted: 08/19/09
