Whether you farm, garden, homestead, have a few pots on the patio, or not, there are ways to grow more food. Humankind has had a long history of coming together to grow food during times of crisis. We have an even stronger history of growing food for the sake of survival. If you ask your elders, chances are they either had a garden in their backyard or knew someone who did. Somewhere along the line this connection to the Earth, as well as the food and medicine it provides, fell to the side and made way for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and chemically enhanced produce. By doubling efforts in our open spaces, our homes, our backyards, our windowsills, we can strengthen our communities and provide hope in a time of stress. These efforts are inherently optimistic and resilient. To be resilient is to have the ability to adapt and respond effectively to disturbance. By creating space in one’s community, backyard, or home to grow food, we can strengthen the resilience of the people and places involved. Growing your own food, especially through gardening, can help to:

  • Ease stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Support immune, brain, nervous system, lung, cardiovascular, and bone health (among many more).
  • Provide affordable produce that is fresh, local, chemical-free, nutrient-dense, and more accessible than grocery store produce.
  • Creates the potential for a “pharmacy” of plants that can be used for culinary, medicinal, and aromatherapy purposes.
  • Increase the biodiversity and health of the land.
  • Decrease food insecurities and food deserts.
  • Alleviates dependency, and fosters self-determination/reliance.
  • Bond generations, communities, and people through collaboration.

Understanding the impactful benefits of growing one’s own food is important, but what is even more helpful is knowing how to put these ideas into action. Below is a list of instructional videos that can serve as helpful pointers, tips, and how-to’s when looking to start community gardening or growing your own food. All videos include closed-captioning in English and Spanish.

For more resources on growing your own food and for relevant local opportunities, click here.