Unity Gardens, Inc.Unity Gardens, Inc.

We're growing community; We're growing community; sprouting seeds of sharing sprouting seeds of sharing 

The vision for the Unity Gardens is to have a community with an abundance of healthy, locally grown produce.

Mission ~ To improve community health: Physically by increasing accessibility of fruits

and vegetables as well as providing education on nutrition and food preparation.

Socially by providing access to healthy food and opportunities for the disadvantaged

Economically: by developing a sustainable local food system, recapturing food waste, creating new jobs, and increasing per-capita productivity

Community Challenges High Unemployment Crime Food Quality Issues National Health Crisis Food Availability & Accessibility

Disparities Donut Communities

http://www.southbendtribune.com Tribune Photos/JIM RIDER

Vacant Land,

Hungry People,

Community OpportunitiesCommunity Opportunities People with more time, seeking to People with more time, seeking to

provide for themselves and their provide for themselves and their familiesfamilies

Community and neighborhood Community and neighborhood organizingorganizing

Increased interest in local, fresh foodIncreased interest in local, fresh food Rich history of urban gardening in Rich history of urban gardening in

region rich in food growing resources region rich in food growing resources (soil, water, climate) (soil, water, climate)

Vacant lots, generous land ownersVacant lots, generous land owners

What is a Unity Garden?

Land Gardened By A Group Of People

Community or Individual Plots

Multi-Generational

"Urban Agriculture"

Why Start a Garden?Economic support for neighborhood

residents

Community Service Project

Youth entrepreneurial

experience

Neighborhood beautification –

more green space

Educational opportunity for all

ages

As a neighborhood social networking, meeting and play space for all ages,

races, classes

Decrease crime

Raise property values

Help residents take ownership of

their neighborhood

Good Health: fresh, local food, recreation and socialization

Produces nutritious food

Reduces family food budgets

Stimulates social interaction

Conserves Resources

Reduces Crime

Preserves green space &

Beautifies neighborhoods

Benefits

Creates income opportunities & economic development

Encourages self-reliance Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development

Sustainable Food Supply Service Opportunities Training and Education Entrepreneurship & Jobs Local Farmer’s Markets Community Building

The Unity The Unity Gardens:Gardens:

We Are We Are Growing Growing

More Than More Than Vegetables Vegetables

HereHere http://www.flickr.com/photos/cfisherphotography/3478460100/

What is a Unity What is a Unity Garden?Garden?

How are they How are they organized? organized?

Who gardens? Who gardens?

Where are they Where are they located?located?

7 13 08

Government and Community Collaborations

City of South Bend Botanical Society of South Bend Saint Joseph County Health Dept South Bend Parks and Recreation Redevelopment Commission Organic Waste Department of Public Works Indiana Department of Corrections Purdue Cooperative Extension Solid Waste Management Saint Joseph County Public Library South Bend Community School Corporation Memorial Hospital IU South Bend’s Center for a Sustainable Future Barnes and Thornburg

The 2010 Garden Season…begins today!

Plans are being made for more gardens - of all kinds - and for garden events

and workshops, and for resource development.

People make gardens grow.Help plant the seeds for a healthy,

interdependent community.

Growing sustainable community through:

Sprouting seeds of sharing

For more information about Unity Gardens

www.unitygardensinc.org

GrowUnityGardens@yahoo.com