Unity Gardens Inc

The Unity Gardens Educational Growing Project 

Impact:
• From 1 garden in 2008, to over 50 projected for 2012
• Over 3,500 attended Unity Gardens educational series in 2011
• 47 free classes conducted in 2012 thus far with 46 additional scheduled
• 12 Unity Gardens located at schools
• 11 Unity Gardens representing 10 different religious denominations
• 5 Unity Gardens hosted in conjunction with food pantries
• 19 Unity Gardens host or focus on Youth education/programs
• 3 Unity Gardens work specifically with clients in correctional programs
• 5 Unity Gardens work with homeless populations
• Over 10 Community Events planned for 2012
• Over 1000 children reached at Ag Days Unity Gardens educational booth
• 18 Unity Gardens representing vulnerable or disadvantaged populations (homeless, incarcerated, developmentally delayed, impoverished)

Agency Overview:

The Unity Gardens is a local organization designed to improve community health through increasing the awareness, availability, and accessibility of fresh produce. We accomplish this through supporting over 50 community gardens in growing and sharing food throughout St. Joseph County. In addition to growing food, Unity Gardens Inc educates the community. The educational program covers growing, harvesting, preparing, preserving, fresh produce along with teaching about the benefits of eating healthy food.

Unity Gardens Goals:

• Ensure healthy vegetables are available to everyone in need of them.
• Ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow their own healthy food.
• Educate the community both on how to grow their own vegetables and how to eat healthy food.
• Build community through gardens, providing safe, healthy gathering areas.
• Growing opportunities for everyone to be a positive influence on our community.