Here are a few sobering facts from a recent article in the Washington Post:

“In New York City, more than 3 million residents, 38 percent of the population, had difficulty affording food last year, according to a recent report by the Food Bank for New York City — up 13 percentage points from 2003. Food costs rose 15 percent during that period. The number of people using soup kitchens and food pantries hit 1.3 million last year, up 24 percent from 2004.”

It’s no surprise then that community and rooftop gardens are springing up all over the place. With the high prices of fresh fruits and veggies today it’s estimated that $1 worth of seeds can grow into $20 worth of produce. This year 22% of US households grew their own vegetables.

To read the full article: “Fed Up by Costs, Many Grow It Alone“

Winnemucca, NV – July 26, 2008 – Volunteers and plot-holders gather at the Winnemucca Community Garden for the monthly ‘Weed and Feed’—a potluck picnic followed by attendees help around the garden. This month’s task: fight hunger.

According to the Department of Labor, the cost of food has increased 6.1% since June 2007. Meanwhile, the cost of the “Thrifty Food Plan,” the bare minimum food necessities used for food stamp allotment, has risen by 7.3%. Staples such as cheese, eggs, and bread have risen drastically, by 14.7%, 23.2% and 15.9% respectively. While the rising cost of food is straining budgets across the income spectrum, families with low-incomes are being hit particularly hard. In the past year the demand for hunger assistance has increased by 40%.

In a effort to fight the increasing demands on food assistance and alleviate hunger at home, the Winnemucca Community Garden is sponsoring a Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign. Started in 1992 by the Garden Writers’ Association, Plant a Row for the Hungry fights hunger by encouraging local gardeners and farmers to plant an extra row of produce for donation to those in need. This weekend, the WCG took to the dirt, planting spinach, endives, winter squash, and broccoli. When the veggies are harvested, they’ll be donated to the Winnemucca Food Bank which will weigh the produce and provide donation slips. The WCG hopes to donate 100 pounds of food by the end of the growing season.

If your garden is growing in abundance, please consider donating to the Food Bank, located at 150 North Bridge Street (open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 5); or drop the produce off at the Winnemucca Community Garden office, 640 Melarkey Street (Monday through Friday 9 to 5).

For more information about the Plant a Row for the Hungry and other garden campaigns, adopting a plot, or volunteering, please call the Winnemucca Community Garden at 775-623-2333, email at winngarden@yahoo.com, or visit our website at winnegarden.org. The Winnemucca Community Garden is a United Way of the Great Basin Partner.

If you’re growing greens in your garden it’s a perfect time to pick ‘ em. This recipe calls for whatever you’ve got in the leafy green department; spinach, chard, even beet greens will do. And if you stopped by the Farmer’s Market early this week, you were lucky enough to snag a dozen farm fresh eggs (and when I say fresh, I mean right out of the chicken. I even pulled a couple feathers of an egg). Through them together and you’ve got a protein and fiber-filled feast. If you’re worried about cholesterol, use egg whites for half your eggs and a few extra tablespoons milk. About half the protein in an egg comes from the white anyway.

Frittata with Greens Recipe:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/01/health/nutrition/01recipehealth.html

A YouTube clip for a new campaign to “Eat the View”–changing boring old grass to edible landscapes. This particular video advocates putting a garden plot on the White House lawn. With all that free space (18 acres!) and people power (13 full-time groundskeepers), imagine the possibilities.

Check it out:

Welcome to the brand-spanking-new Winnemucca Community Garden blog! Here you will find up-to-date information on all our new ventures, as well as press releases, links of interest, recipes, and news.

Please feel free to leave comments about the website or garden. This is a community garden. Made by the community for the community. Help us improve by leaving feedback!

Winnemucca Community Garden Hosts Monthly BBQ for Local Gardeners

With current illnesses and reports of unsafe fresh tomatoes and possibly other fresh vegetables more and more families are worried about the safety of their food sources. Winnemucca’s Community Garden (WCG) provides a place for Winnemucca gardeners to grow produce locally in an urban environment.

On Saturday June 28, 2008 the Garden hosted a “Let’s Get Growing” BBQ for families and organizations who have adopted garden plots and for those interested in helping by volunteering at the Garden. Approximately 60 local people came out for the event which included a chance to talk to other gardeners and gain advice and assistance with their own gardens as well as enjoying a nice lunch.

Winnemucca Community Garden volunteers work with the community, school teachers, school children, seniors, other non-profit organizations and local businesses to provide plots, seeds and starter plants, tools and education to encourage growing local produce that is safe.

“The Community Garden gives local citizens a place and resources to grow their own food in a safe environment.” Said Bill Jones, WCG’s Board Chairman. “Starting in mid-July people will also be able to purchase locally grown produce at the Weekly Farmer’s Market located at the Garden.” He added.

For more information about adopting a garden plot, upcoming garden events or volunteering please call the Winnemucca Community Garden at 775-623-2333, email at winngarden@yahoo.com or visit our website at winnegarden.org. The Winnemucca Community Garden is a United Way of the Great Basin Partner.

Everyone is invited to help celebrate Earth Day at the Winnemucca Community Garden on Friday April 25 and Saturday April 26, 2008. All activities for this two day event are being held at the Winnemucca Community Garden, 151 McArthur Street, Winnemucca.

Grammar school children will experience outdoor classrooms at the garden on Friday April 25 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM with field trips from local schools. There will be many learning activities scheduled to teach young people about such topics as:

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Fire Prevention & Smokey Bear
• Planting and Weeds
• Service to the Community

Last year more than 400 grade school children attended the Earth Day event at the Community Garden.

Saturday, April 26 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM will be a service day for the Community Garden and will include gardening workshops, music and community service activities. Gardeners will gather with youth and other community members to complete service projects at the community garden. Spring is here and it is time to get the Community Garden ready for a bountiful growing season. Workshops will include instruction on:

• Hoop Houses to extend the growing season
• Composting
• Garden Plot Preparation
• Landscaping

The event is open to the entire community. Donna Kiker, Winnemucca Community Garden Director invites participation from groups and individuals, saying, “This is a great opportunity for businesses & employees to get involved with community service. It’s also a nice way to spend a day with your family, or to meet new people.” Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information or to pre-register call 623-2333 or email winngarden@yahoo.com.