According to the USDA, around 15 percent of the world's food is now grown in urban areas. City and suburban agriculture takes the form of backyard, roof-top and balcony gardening, community gardening in vacant lots and parks, roadside urban fringe agriculture and livestock grazing in open space.
Community gardens promote healthy communities and provide food security for many low income persons. In an urban setting, community gardens are part of the open space network. The gardens and those who participate in community gardening contribute to the preservation of open space, provide access to it, and create sustainable uses of the space. Community gardens strengthen community bonds, provide food, and create recreational and therapeutic opportunities for a community. They can also promote environmental awareness and provide community education.
Established in 2006, the Galena Community Garden is a financially self-sufficient not-for-profit corporation operated by a local board of directors. More than 100 garden plots are available to the public. A portion of the garden is designated for production that is donated to the Galena Food Pantry. Nearly 1,000 pounds of vegetables are donated to the food pantry annually from the garden. The garden also includes a children's garden, an herb garden, and local sculpture. City of Galena provides support to the Galena Community Garden by providing free water and mulch.
Visit the Galena Community Garden Facebook page for information, photos, and location of the garden.
Galena Community Garden Facebook Page
Contact the Galena Community Garden at gcgletsgrow@gmail.com.
