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Community Connection
For us, community is such an essential element of Backyard Gardens. Community is a fundamental aspect of being human. We have been so fortunate to be able to connect in ways that have allowed us not only to grow food, but to continue to grow as people. Gardening is a gateway to connection. It offers the opportunity to connect deeply with your food, the earth, the community and the 'undefinable something which is everything'.
Community Connection
For us, community is such an essential element of Backyard Gardens. Community is a fundamental aspect of being human. We have been so fortunate to be able to connect in ways that have allowed us not only to grow food, but to continue to grow as people. Gardening is a gateway to connection. It offers the opportunity to connect deeply with your food, the earth, the community and the 'undefinable something which is everything'.
Community Partnerships through the years:
-Rowan University
-First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown
-The Salvation Army: Kroc Center
-Pinelands Preservation Alliance
-Roots to Prevention
-Parkside Community and Business in Partnership
-Camden County Historical Society
-Boys and Girls Club, Clifton NJ
-Branch Village Community Centers
-Williamstown Community Gardens
-Andre Reed Foundation
Mustard Seed Cooperative Garden
We teamed up with First Presbyterian Church in Moorestown, NJ to bring this vision of a community garden to life. Situated on the church grounds, the church congregation and community have formed a team to help the vision not only be brought to life, but to sustain and continue to thrive. The garden produces bountiful harvests that are donated and given to those in the community that need it. A great group of people with a great drive. An operation we are extremely grateful to be a continued part of and an excellent example of altruism that we can only hope more organization would follow.
The
Salvation
Army:
Kroc Center
Located in Camden, NJ - We tagged up with the Salvation Army Kroc Center in restoring and expanding their garden operation. There is a food pantry located right next to the garden so on harvest day we could gather everything and unload fresh veggies right to the hand of the community through the Kroc Center Food Pantry. What a cool system, more organizations could learn from this model.
Rowan University
NJ Department of Disability Services and Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant
Over the past several years we have formed a wonderful partnership with Rowan University. Together, we have installed gardens and community garden spaces all over South Jersey, with the goal of creating places that are more inclusive and accessible for people of all types of physical and cognitive abilities. From Camden to Salem, Glassboro, Cherry Hill the work that Rowan has been doing and that we were fortunate to be a part of has been amazing. We have built gardens at adult group homes, transformed unused community spaces, and been able build friendships and connect with so many people along the way.
Eli's Legacy Park
What was initially a completely demolished city lot when we arrived on site, this unused space in the Parkside neighborhood of Camden, NJ was transformed into a beautiful and functional community area. A setting that will continue to play host to community events and serve as a place for people to come and enjoy right next door to the shops and restaurants loved by the community members. This lot transformed from rubble to refuge. Now, it's a wonderful, welcoming place to go.
Lafayette Pershing Elementary School
This school has done a tremendous job in showing the initiative to incorporate the garden as a primary element within the school. An incredible opportunity for the kids to connect and learn, hands on. What better way, than being outside of the classroom walls with your hands in the dirt really getting a grasp on what is being taught. This operation can't be held in place without the commitment of a staff that helps it to survive and thrive.
