The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Seeds of Faith Collective, and Grow North Texas are celebrating the groundbreaking of a new “People’s Garden” on March 4, 2023, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Garth Chapel A.M.E., 2828 Carpenter Ave, Dallas, Texas, 75215.
The public is invited to the free ceremonial event, which will launch the establishment of a food garden with funds awarded by the NRCS People’s Garden Initiative.
This is the second People’s Garden in Dallas established by the USDA-NRCS. People’s Gardens empower communities to participate in local food production and provide diversity and resiliency to the food supply chain. The People’s Gardens Initiative is an example of how local gardens can foster community collaboration, grow local and nutritious food, nurture greenspace and inspire people through the experience of growing from seed to plant. People’s Gardens, which are collaborative in nature, also benefit and educate the community and incorporate sustainable practices.
“We are excited to announce this new People’s Garden in Dallas,” said NRCS Texas State Conservationist Kristy Oates. “Our People’s Garden Initiative is focused on creating diverse, healthy and resilient food systems for local communities, and the Seeds of Faith Garden embodies this commitment. The development of greenspaces in urban areas beautifies communities and provides opportunities for community gathering. This agreement and partnership support NRCS’s interest in urban agriculture and the People’s Garden Initiative.”
“The food from this garden will serve as a catalyst for rewriting our health narrative as a developing community food oasis and supplement to the church's food ministry with fresh garden produce,” said Candace Thompson, garden steward for the Seeds of Faith Garden. “We believe in nourishing our neighbors and supporting our thriving community together.”
More Information
USDA originally launched the People’s Garden Initiative in 2009. The initiative’s name was derived from the “People’s Department,” former President Abraham Lincoln’s nickname for the USDA. The USDA was established during his presidency in 1862.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day by focusing America’s food system towards more resilient local and regional food production and fairer markets for all producers, while ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities.
USDA is working to build new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit USDA.gov.
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