From backyards to schoolyards to prison yards, the chance to grow and eat natural, healthy food brings communities together and creates leadership opportunities for people from every background. That’s why Growing Gardens, an Oregon-based nonprofit founded in 1996, is committed to creating and leading gardening education programs throughout the state.
Growing Gardens started as a home gardening project for low-income families in Portland, with the intention of building raised garden beds in their backyards to increase access to healthy produce. It has since flowered into an influential local nonprofit utilizing gardens and gardening education to empower communities; mentor students, families, and inmates; and help underscore the importance of healthy eating.
“We work hand in hand with our neighbors to ensure they fully comprehend the intricacies of growing their own food to keep every family healthy,” says Jason Skipton, executive director. “We believe access to healthful, culturally appropriate food is an inherent right. The large underlying aspect of Growing Gardens is self-sustainability, where you can grow your own food, rely on your own skills and provide for your own family.”
The organization’s staff and volunteers help facilitate neighborhood-based leadership and community building; serve diverse communities with culturally relevant, accessible programming and resources; and partner regionally to expand gardening education and support.
Through partnerships with schools, 16 correctional facilities, and individual residents of the Rose City, Growing Gardens supports participants who commit to a minimum three-year program to learn the complete ins and outs of gardening in the Pacific Northwest.
“We’re working with nine schools across three school districts to make a strong connection between STEM and STEAM programs,” says Skipton. “The three-year program is essential for students [as well as for] those who are incarcerated and for local families, to actually learn. We don’t just build a garden in a backyard and wish them good luck.”
In 2017, The Portland Clinic Foundation awarded Growing Gardens an unrestricted $2,000 grant. The funding allowed Growing Gardens to hire a consultant to help build a culture of philanthropy within the organization, training the staff on the importance of fundraising and on how to represent themselves among donors, participants and volunteers. The training will help Growing Gardens grow sustainably and serve more communities, while maintaining financial stability.
“We are extremely thankful for The Portland Clinic Foundation grant, as unrestricted funding is extremely difficult to come by,” says Skipton. “Many philanthropic organizations are looking to back a new project and supply new materials, being able to purchase 30 new shovels if you don’t have the ability to hire someone to round up the volunteers to use them? We’re happy to report that all of our supplies are successfully producing food, and are in the hands of the community!”
There are many ways people can support Growing Gardens, from helping install its 70 to 90 gardens a year to participating in the Spring Dig-In or fall’s Dawn of the Bed festivities. The organization’s Chef in My Garden fundraising dinners held in July and August, pair top chefs with outstanding wineries all held in private gardens across the city. Additionally, Growing Gardens is on the lookout for garden mentors who will work with homeowners, as well as volunteers for programs in correctional facilities. Skipton requests that volunteers commit to at least one year of service, whether or not they have experience in gardening.
“The biggest misconception we would love to fix is that we are a ‘fun and cute’ gardening club,” says Skipton. “We’re serious about our programs and the people who participate and rely on our services. We put in real time, working with folks across the city and state on true building skills and leadership opportunities.”
If you would like to help The Portland Clinic Foundation support nonprofit organizations like Growing Gardens, please consider donating today. Giving is easy: you can donate online, send in a check, include TPCF in your estate plans or, if you are a TPC employee, set up a payroll deduction. To learn more, visit theportlandclinic.com/foundation or call 503.221.0161 ext. 2154. Your generosity and vision make our work possible. Thank you for all that you are doing to advance community wellness for all Portlanders.
The Portland Clinic Foundation
theportlandclinic.com/foundation
1221 SW Yamhill St, Suite 400
Portland, OR 97205
503.221.0161 ext. 2154
[email protected]
