Spring has sprung! Here in Atlanta the daffodils have emerged from their winter naps. Tulip trees are blooming and I am feeling the pull to play in the dirt. Growing up, my family always had a garden and I was always my dad`s helper. I remember spring time Saturdays where I would "prepare" the tomato holes--- meaning I would get so muddy that I would need to be hosed off before going inside.
While not to the size of my parent's garden plot, I am blessed to have a small place where I can plant tomatos, lettuce, and some peppers. In fact, my spring fever has small seedings in every window of my kitchen. While repotting some of the seedlings, a thought hit me that there are many folks who do not have the space or the knowledge to have their own gardens. Additionally, I know that there are way too many people in this world that do not come to their meals as easily as I do. So, while it certainly is not a new thought- given the abundance that I see from my garden-- I know that even a small garden could make a lot of difference to a family.
Rochester Roots: Providing Assistance and Space for Abundant Crops
Rochester Roots is an organization that is taking steps to provide opportunities for folks to have a small garden plot. Specifically, Rochester Roots works with teachers, students, parents, neighbors,
master gardeners and various community partners to transform
underutilized schoolyards into urban gardens. Produce, which includes 40 different types of vegetables, grown at the
schools is harvested and distributed to students and community members
who work in the gardens. Any excess food is sold at a local food co-operative. Also, they sell organic lip balm and skin salve to help raise money.
Currently, Rochester Roots works with three elementary schools: Franklin Montessori
School, Clara Barton School #2 and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School
#9. All three schools are located in low-income areas in the City of
Rochester where food insecurity is high.
On a personal note, I like that Rochester Roots also promotes Green Growing practices which focus on environmental stewardship. They use organic techniques, composting, mulching, crop rotation, companion planting and conservation of heirloom species of vegetables.
The Executive Director, Jan McDonald, says, "As we receive future grants and contributions our hope is to expand
this program into additional schools, which furthers our goal of
creating a truly sustainable, local food system."
Send Your Dollar
You can donate directly through Rochester Roots website. Click Here
You can donate through Network for Good ($10 minimum). Click Here
Or donate through Just Give ($5 minimum). Click Here
Earlier this month I posted my wishes for my birthday. A few days ago, I took a big deep breath, made some wishes and blew out all my candles. And... with a little luck-- one of my wishes is on its way to coming true.
With that said, as March rolls in, my birthday approaches. Since this little effort here is something very close to my heart, I have a couple of wishes. So as I take a deep breath... here goes... I wish for....