Transition Berkeley
Transition Berkeley is a community organization dedicated to building a more sustainable and resilient community. They have initiated several programs that focus on increasing food resilience and community building in the city of Berkeley. In this blog post, we will explore some of their most impactful programs and the positive impact they have had on the community.
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Community Gardens
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Transition Berkeley has created and supported several community gardens throughout the city. These gardens provide residents with access to fresh produce and a space for community building. Volunteers help maintain the gardens and organize events like workshops, seed swaps, and community meals.
One of their most successful garden projects is the South Berkeley Community Garden, which is located on an abandoned lot that was transformed into a thriving garden. The garden has become a gathering place for the community, and it offers education on gardening and healthy eating habits through events like workshops and garden workdays.
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Edible Landscaping
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Transition Berkeley encourages the use of edible plants in public and private landscaping. They offer education and resources on how to create beautiful gardens that produce food. One of their successful projects in this area is the Edible Garden Tour, an annual event that showcases local gardens and offers education on edible landscaping.
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Food Justice
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Transition Berkeley is committed to promoting food justice in the community. They work to address issues of food insecurity by partnering with local food banks and organizing food distribution events. They also advocate for policies that support urban agriculture and increase access to healthy food in schools.
One of their most impactful programs in this area is the Berkeley Food Network, a coalition of organizations that work together to provide access to healthy food in the community. The coalition includes food banks, community gardens, and other organizations that are dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the community.
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Conclusion
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Transition Berkeley has made a significant impact on increasing food resilience and community building in the city of Berkeley. Their community gardens, edible landscaping, and food justice programs have created a healthier and more sustainable food system. By empowering residents to take control of their food system and work together to build a more resilient community, Transition Berkeley is a model for other communities around the world.
Eco Vista
Eco Vista is a community organization located in Isla Vista, California, that focuses on increasing food resilience and community building through urban agriculture. They have initiated several programs that have had a significant positive impact on the community. In this blog post, we will explore some of their most successful programs.
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The Isla Vista Community Garden
The Isla Vista Community Garden is a project initiated by Eco Vista that provides residents with access to fresh, locally-grown produce. The garden is located on a 1-acre plot of land donated by the University of California, Santa Barbara. It includes 60 individual plots that community members can rent for a nominal fee, allowing them to grow their own vegetables and herbs.
The community garden provides a space for residents to come together and connect over their shared love of gardening and fresh food. It also offers educational programs and workshops on gardening, composting, and healthy eating habits. The garden has become a gathering place for the community, hosting events like potlucks and movie nights.
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The Isla Vista Food Forest
Eco Vista is also working on creating the Isla Vista Food Forest, an edible landscape that will provide the community with access to fresh, locally grown produce. The food forest will include fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, and other edible plants. The project is being designed with the principles of permaculture, which emphasizes sustainability and resilience in food systems.
The food forest will also serve as an educational resource, offering workshops and classes on sustainable agriculture and permaculture. The project is currently in the planning phase, and Eco Vista is seeking community input and involvement.
The Urban Orchard Project
Eco Vista has also initiated the Urban Orchard Project, which involves planting fruit trees throughout the community. The project aims to increase access to fresh fruit and promote sustainable agriculture. The fruit trees are planted on public land, such as parks and medians, and are maintained by volunteers from the community.
The project also includes an educational component, offering workshops and classes on fruit tree care and maintenance. The Urban Orchard Project has been successful in increasing access to fresh fruit and promoting community involvement in sustainable agriculture.
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Conclusion
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Eco Vista has made a significant impact on increasing food resilience and community building through their urban agriculture programs. The Isla Vista Community Garden, Isla Vista Food Forest, and Urban Orchard Project provide the community with access to fresh produce and opportunities for education and community building. By promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering residents to take control of their food system, Eco Vista is building a more resilient and sustainable community. Their work serves as an example for other communities around the world.
The Los Angeles Community Garden Council (LACGC)
The Los Angeles Community Garden Council (LACGC) is a nonprofit organization that has been working tirelessly to increase food resilience and community building in the city of Los Angeles. For over two decades, LACGC has been leading the way in establishing community gardens and advocating for food justice in underserved areas. In this blog post, we will explore the incredible work that LACGC has done to create a more sustainable and equitable food system.
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Establishing Community Gardens
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One of LACGC's most notable accomplishments is the establishment of over 40 community gardens throughout Los Angeles. These gardens are located in a variety of neighborhoods, from low-income areas to affluent ones, and are maintained by community members who share a passion for sustainable agriculture and community building. LACGC provides gardeners with the resources they need to get started, including access to land, tools, and seeds. They also offer gardening classes and workshops to help new gardeners get started and to help experienced gardeners improve their skills.
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In addition to providing fresh produce, community gardens are also a source of community building. They provide a space for people to come together and connect over their shared love of gardening and fresh food. Many of the gardens also offer educational programs and events, such as cooking classes, seed swaps, and community meals. Through these programs, LACGC is creating a sense of community and empowering people to take control of their own food system.
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Advocating for Food Justice
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LACGC is also a strong advocate for food justice, which is the idea that all people should have access to healthy and affordable food. They work to address food insecurity in underserved areas by establishing community gardens and supporting local farmers' markets. They also advocate for policies that promote food justice, such as supporting urban agriculture and improving access to healthy food in schools.
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In addition to their work in the community, LACGC also collaborates with other organizations to promote food justice on a larger scale. For example, they partner with the Los Angeles Food Policy Council to advocate for policies that promote a more equitable food system. They also work with local schools and community organizations to establish gardens and provide education on healthy eating and sustainable agriculture.
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Conclusion
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​The Los Angeles Community Garden Council is doing incredibly important work to increase food resilience and community building in Los Angeles. By establishing community gardens and advocating for food justice, they are creating a more sustainable and equitable food system. Their work serves as an example for other cities and communities around the world, showing that it is possible to create a healthier, more sustainable, and more just food system through community building and advocacy.
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