We sat down with Ingrid Wynn, Jennefere Matthews, and Mishwa Lee from Northridge CommUNITY Garden to hear how they created a space for community to come together and grow their own food. Read on to learn more!
“We started a recycling program in 1999 because we wanted to get our youth involved in improving our cooperative housing community. We saw a need to educate residents about the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of recycling, and we trained our youth to talk with residents to encourage them to recycle.
In the process, we learned that some community members were interested in having a place where they could learn how to grow their own food. We decided to start a garden, but our funding dried up shortly after.
In 2010, our Neighborhood Network Coordinator asked if we were interested in trying to restart the garden and indicated that we might be able to secure funding through a Community Challenge Grant – but we needed a fiscal sponsor. At the time, SF Parks Alliance was the only Fiscal Sponsor that was willing to take us on. We received our CCG grant in 2011, and have been fiscally sponsored by them ever since.
In the early days, SF Parks Alliance helped us with budgeting, informed us about grant opportunities, and invited us to workshops and events. More recently, our Area Manager has helped us apply for grants and worked hard to connect us with other community-based orgs in the neighborhood.”
“We learned that some community members were interested in having a place where they could learn how to grow their own food.”
“Prior to COVID, we provided summer employment for local youth. They learned everything from how to start a garden, to how to harvest and distribute produce. Since COVID, it has been more difficult to convince youth to help out in the garden and in truth, we want more neighbors to get involved.
We recently redesigned the garden and added new planter boxes for families who are interested in maintaining their own garden boxes within the larger community garden. We also always welcome new volunteers!
Our advice for those looking to start their own project is to talk with your neighbors and determine how you want to improve your community. Together, determine a plan for what you hope to accomplish, make sure there are enough neighbors working together to make it happen, and communicate clearly throughout the process. Don’t forget to have fun!”