Growing Gardens is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Oregon. They are dedicated to cultivating healthy and equitable communities by utilizing the experience of growing food in schools, backyards, and correctional facilities. Their mission is to address the issue of food system inequity in Oregon, where 1 in 7 people go to bed hungry, and a staggering 80% of those affected are directly involved in local food production.

Growing Gardens aims to put the power back into the hands of individuals through their Radical Gardening movement. They teach every Oregonian how to grow and harvest their own produce, empowering a growing network of food system leaders and advocating for a more equitable food system policy. Growing Gardens offers a variety of programs and services to achieve their goals.

Their Multilingual Programs and Services target the communities most impacted by food system inequities, focusing on improving diet and health outcomes, increasing fresh food access, and providing culturally nourishing produce options. Additionally, Growing Gardens runs the Home Gardens program, providing individuals and families with the training and resources necessary to cultivate healthy and culturally-relevant produce gardens. Their Youth Grow curriculum engages Pre-K-12th grade students in the garden, teaching them about nutrition, nature, and the impact of our food system.

Lastly, the Lettuce Grow program offers incarcerated individuals hands-on garden training and employment-enhancing certificate programs. Since 1996, Growing Gardens has made a significant impact by cultivating over 1,800 home gardens, educating over 2,900 students, and empowering over 1,900 inmates. The organization collects stories from participants to showcase the diverse individuals they work with and the positive changes that occur as a result.

To support Growing Gardens and their mission, individuals can donate directly or download The Radical Gardening Guide. This guide provides actionable steps to transform any green space into a powerful agent of change, harnessing the true potential of gardens to make a lasting community impact