Fresno Metro Ministry - Fresno Community Garden Coalition

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Fresno Community Garden Coalition - A project of Fresno Metro Ministry

The MISSION of the Fresno Community Garden Coalition is to provide structural, technical, and network support to communities who have or wish to start a garden in their neighborhoods. The Coalition is a clearinghouse of information and ideas for those who want to see many gardens thrive in Fresno County.

BACKGROUND: Community Gardens bring people together in the effort of growing their own food. In Fresno County, where 32% of children live in poverty and 36% of adults have trouble putting food on the table, the ability to grow one's own food can make the difference between a happy or hungry home.

Gardens are Green Space, They:

Create a more livable environment by controlling temperature, noise, and pollution
Help create a positive community image for both residents and visitors
Create opportunities for people to work together to improve their community

Fresno's Gardens Need Our Help! Several years ago there were over 15 community gardens in Fresno and Clovis. Some of these gardens still flourish in once-empty lots next to churches, agencies and apartment complexes. Gardeners come from around the world bringing their own unique crops and growing techniques. Currently only about eight gardens remain and some of these are in jeopardy.

STEPS to starting a community garden:
(not necessarily in order)

1. Form a planning committee.
2. Choose a garden site.
3. Prepare and develop the site.
4. Organize the garden.
5. Consider insurance & security for the garden.
6. Set guidelines and rules for garden.
7. Outreach to local neighbors.
8. Grow, grow, grow!

For a full START-UP guide click here

LINKS:

WWW.COMMUNITYGARDEN.ORG - American Community Gardening Association
WWW.FIRMINC.ORG/GARDENS.HTML - Features several of Fresno's Community Gardens sponsored by Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministry.
WWW.CITYFARMER.ORG - The most comprehensive site on urban farming.
WWW.DRIPIRRIGATION.CA - Do-it-yourself drip irrigation wizard.
WWW.FOODSECURITY.ORG - California Food Security Coalition.
WWW.SACCOMMUNITYGARDENS.ORG - Sacramento Community Garden Coalition
Community Garden Local Legal Initiatives - links to examples of how cities have incorporated community gardens into general plans, zoning law, and resolutions

Community Garden Sponsors & Supporters in the Fresno Area

Agape Refugee Ministries
California Food Policy Advocates
City of Fresno Parks and Recreation Dept
Community Food Security Coalition
Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries
Fresno Metro Ministry
Jahmai Ministries
Mennonite Community Church
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
Plant a Row for the Hungry
Sacramento Community Garden Coalition
Squaw Valley Herb Gardens
Tower Garden Supply

CONTACT:
Tom Matott at tom@fresnometmin.org
(559) 485-1416