The mild weather, beautiful sunshine, and longer days have many of us thinking about gardening. Gardening has become increasingly popular as a cost-effective and rewarding way to have fresh produce at our fingertips. By growing our own supply of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, we can ensure they are free from the pesticides and chemicals commonly found in store-bought produce.
The benefits of gardening extend beyond the food that is grown. Growing our own food also supports a healthy environment by reducing the carbon footprint associated with the transportation and packaging of grocery store products. Additionally, gardening encourages biodiversity by creating a habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies. On a personal level, gardening is a fun activity for adults and children that supports both physical and mental health. It is an excellent form of physical activity, providing low-impact exercise through digging, weeding and planting. And lastly, spending time in the garden provides a therapeutic escape that reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances overall well-being.
By signing up as a gardener with Neighbors Nourishing Communities (NNC), you can reap all these benefits and more. NNC gardeners also get gardening advice, free plants and seeds, and the feel-good benefit of helping our community by donating a portion of their produce to the Tualatin Food Pantry.
Neighbors Nourishing Communities is a Tualatin non-profit organization entering its 12th growing season. We supply seeds, plant starts, and education to gardeners who commit to donating 20% of what they grow to help local families experiencing food insecurity. The other 80% and the rewards of a healthy garden and healthier you are all yours!
It’s no secret that inflation continues to be an issue, and many of our Tualatin families are struggling to keep food on their table. Fresh produce is more nutritious, yet also more costly than boxed or canned foods, and can be inaccessible for many. Many gardeners traditionally share their produce with friends, family and co-workers, so opting to share with families experiencing food insecurity in our own community is a fulfilling extension of this practice.
What does it mean to garden with NNC? You don’t need a large garden space or special skills. Last year, our new gardener, Feather, donated over 200 pounds of produce with easy-to-grow varieties such as tomatoes, squash, beans and cucumbers grown at her community garden plot. Gardeners supply the garden spot at their home, community garden, or office location. With a little water and some tender loving care, we all benefit from a bounty of organically grown, amazingly delicious produce! Produce may be donated throughout the growing season at your local food pantry or by leaving it at one of our convenient drop-off points in Tualatin.
Simply register as a gardener by visiting our website at www.neighborsnc.org. As a registered gardener, we’ll provide the location and time for our free plant and seed handout on Saturday, May 3, and continue communicating important gardening tips and information throughout the growing season.
For questions or more information, please contact Peggy Fisher at (503) 807-9090, or email neighborsns@gmail.com.
