G.I.V.E. Gardens
Gardens Inspiring Volunteerism and Education
A starter garden for every family
G.I.V.E. Gardens are 4 foot by 8 foot raised-bed gardens designed to start new gardeners with some resources and skills to grow some of their own food. We can also do larger consultations and builds on a case by case basis.
In 2021/22 our goal was to plant over 100 gardens, and we met it. Chantelle Sookram led the effort, reaching folks through word of mouth and through partner organizations like the CLEO Institute’s Empowering Resilient Women classes. Chantelle is exploring other ventures now, and Rhi and Umar provide gardens when requested, so let us know if you need a starter garden at home.
Why G.I.V.E.?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a “food desert” is an area in the United States with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly an area composed of predominantly low-income neighborhoods and communities. A G.I.V.E. Garden supplements a family or individual’s diet with fresh vegetables and herbs and encourages fresh air and gardening exercise.
“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.” (Mahatma Gandhi)
How it started
G.I.V.E. gardens began in April 2009 when a family living in a food desert wanted Urban Oasis to teach them how to make a food garden. The mother had a new baby on the way, the father was working long hours in retail, and the 4-year-old daughter was very excited to grow vegetables to eat. Their learning time was limited, therefore we decided the best way to learn was by practice, with hands in the soil.
With a handful of volunteers and donated materials, the first G.I.V.E. garden was planted with a lot of hands-on learning for the recipient family.
Since the first G.I.V.E. garden was planted, many more have followed, teaching recipients who then teach their neighbors to make their own gardens (often entirely on their own). Hundreds of volunteer hours have been donated, from Master Gardeners with deep expertise to first-time volunteers.
Our impact
Highlights from the G.I.V.E. Gardens impact report
Sponsor a garden
A gift of $300 from you or your business sponsors an entire home garden, and volunteer builders are always welcome. Contact us to find out how, or make a donation to support our programs.
Gardens we have planted
