Forest Service Taps on Giving Grove!
We’re thrilled to announce that The Giving Grove is embarking on an exciting new chapter of expansion. We have been selected by the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to receive a grant funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. This five-year initiative is set to scale our mission of establishing community orchards and food forests, creating sustainable sources of fresh produce while enhancing urban ecosystems across the nation.
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A Growing Impact on Communities Facing Food Insecurity
Since its founding in 2013 in Kansas City, The Giving Grove has rooted itself in supporting communities through over 620 community orchards in 14 U.S. cities. These orchards are not just spaces for growing fruit; they are vibrant community hubs, where local volunteers cultivate a shared commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and food security. The fresh fruits, nuts, and berries produced provide essential nourishment, offering over 7,500 servings annually per orchard. Now, with the support of the Forest Service, our goal is to extend this impact further.
“Urban orchards offer an extraordinary combination of benefits—from providing fresh, free food to enriching green spaces and creating a sustainable, community-led food system. We’re honored that the U.S. Forest Service has recognized the impact of our mission, and we look forward to helping more communities establish these vital food resources.””
Piloting a Volunteer Stipend Program with Affiliates
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of this partnership is the ability to pilot a volunteer stipend program. In collaboration with our affiliates, ReTreeUS in New England and Denver Urban Gardens in Denver, we’ll offer stipends to dedicated volunteers who manage community orchards. This program will acknowledge the crucial role that these community stewards play and empower more individuals to participate actively in orchard management. The pilot will provide a model that, if successful, can be expanded to other communities nationwide, fostering more comprehensive local engagement.
Enhancing Education with Forestry Career Lessons
Our commitment to community engagement extends beyond food production. As part of this partnership, we will develop and implement educational lessons focused on forestry careers within the orchard school curriculum. These lessons will not only raise awareness of sustainable agriculture but also inspire a new generation of environmental leaders. By integrating practical and theoretical knowledge into schools, we hope to open pathways for students to consider future careers in urban forestry and environmental management.
Increasing Accessibility through Multilingual Outreach
Accessibility has always been at the heart of The Giving Grove’s mission. Thanks to the support of the Forest Service, we will now be able to translate our outreach materials into 12 different languages. This step forward means that more communities—including those historically underserved due to language barriers—will gain the tools and knowledge to establish and maintain their own community orchards. By making our resources more accessible, we aim to expand the reach and inclusivity of our programs.
Addressing Environmental and Economic Challenges
The new initiative comes at a pivotal time when cities are facing growing environmental and economic challenges. The increased tree canopy and biodiversity that Giving Grove orchards bring contribute to healthier urban environments by intercepting stormwater, improving air quality, and sequestering carbon. These benefits help to create resilient cities that can better withstand the impacts of climate change.
“The Forest Service’s support will significantly boost our capacity to supply local communities with resources and knowledge to plant and maintain urban orchards. This initiative speaks to the value of food forests and community orchards in creating lasting access to fresh, locally grown produce, enhancing green spaces, and fostering environmental stewardship in urban settings.”
A Vision for the Future
At The Giving Grove, our vision is clear: thousands of small orchards flourishing in urban neighborhoods across the country, creating local food production systems that will nourish communities for decades. This partnership with the Forest Service is not just an investment in our organization but an investment in the future of urban agriculture, environmental education, and community resilience.
As we embark on this new phase, we remain committed to empowering local communities and fostering partnerships that support equitable access to fresh food. We’re excited to see the outcomes of this initiative and to continue working with volunteers, educators, and community members who share our belief in the transformative power of community orchards.