American communities are now exploring the idea of local food systems. Thanks to Climate change and rising food costs, along with failing food quality, people are now starting to seriously look into using their lawns to grow food for their communities.
Fleet Farming is a nonprofit that plants gardens and maintains them in residential gardens across Orlando, Florida. The concept behind these gardens is two-fold -- homeowners who allow them to plant vegetable instead of grass get to keep some of the food for their family, and the rest of the food is sold at local farmers' markets and restaurants.
Less of a carbon footprint
Co-founder of Fleet Farming, Chris Castro, said the food distribution is made on a bicycle and distribution does not exceed a five-mile radius. Castro said that most of the food travels less than a mile from where it is grown.
Castro said that most of the food travels less than a mile from where it is grown, having an even great impact on our environment and our communities.
Victory Gardens
Most of us are too young to remember Victory Gardens. Governments made these gardens mandatory during World War I and World War II. These gardens were grown on every property that had soil.
They were also called war gardens or food gardens. Vegetables, fruits, and herbs wee planted throughout the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Canada.
Used together with cards and rationing stamps in order to reduce pressure on the country's food supply.
Why start a vegetable garden?
A great way to save money and ensure your family is eating healthy foods is to grow your own produce. One tomato plant will provide you and your family with ten pounds of tomatoes in one season, alone.
Homegrown vegetables have better texture and greater varieties than the ones your supermarket or local grocer sells you. Not to mention, when you purchase your product at the store you are getting lots of pesticides on your plate and in your body.
When growing your own fruits and vegetables you are in charge of what you put on your plants.
Spending quality time outdoors
Growing your own vegetable garden is not only easy, but it's also fun and a great way to spend quality time outside in the sun. You probably think you will have to spend hours and hours tending to your garden, but that simply is not true.
If you plan your garden the right way, which includes planting vegetables and flowers together, you will have a garden that provides your, your neighbors and your community with fresh healthy food and something beautiful to look at as they walk past admiring your work.
