Community Gardening During COVID-19

It was a tough year for community gardening. Jessica Secrest knows that better than anyone. While the state of Pennsylvania was going into lockdown in March due to COVID-19, new and experienced gardeners were reaching out to Secrest eager to start gardening in a community plot. Months later, the vegetables were growing, compost was turning, but the community element felt like it was missing. It’s something we’re all looking forward to experiencing again once it is safe. 

Sunflower Fields is a good example of where the “agrihood” movement meets affordable housing developments. According to an article on Affordable Housing Finance, the neighborhood was intentionally developed with the community garden at the center for the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the residents.

This episode also discusses food sovereignty and food deserts. For more information on food sovereignty, visit the U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance. CNN Business also published an article in June 2020 on COVID-19’s impact on communities already considered food deserts.

The resources for those interested in gardening or starting or managing a community garden are plenty:

Harrisburg Urban Growers

Local Food, Local Places

Green Urban Initiative 

Susquehanna Garden Share 

To learn more about Sunflower Fields and receive Secrest’s garden tips, like the page on Facebook.