City gardeners provide top-quality organic produce to Philly food pantries at no cost

In Philadelphia, access to hyperlocal organic produce is not limited to upscale supermarkets with high prices. Many food-insecure city residents have the opportunity to enjoy the best in hyperlocal organic produce for free, thanks to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and its community-led gardens.

The PHS supports 176 community-led gardens that work in collaboration with City Harvest, a PHS initiative aimed at growing and redistributing produce to food pantries, soup kitchens, community fridges, and other nonprofit programs across the city. This initiative not only provides fresh, nutritious food to those in need but also fosters community connections and builds relationships among residents.

One of the ways in which PHS supports these community gardens is through seedling giveaways. Recently, at Awbury Arboretum, PHS staff and volunteers distributed seedlings of various vegetables like collard greens, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, and broccoli to be grown for nonprofit agencies. These seedling giveaways are valued at $1,200 to $1,500 per garden and provide gardeners with seasonally appropriate and diverse varieties of plants.

Unlike commercial gardening centers, PHS focuses on providing seedlings that are suitable for the current season and offer a wider variety than what is typically available. This approach ensures that gardeners can grow a diverse range of produce that meets the needs of their communities. For example, Jeanette Rainey, a longtime gardener at Glenwood Green Acres in North Philadelphia, grows produce dedicated to Grands as Parents, a local organization that supports caregivers and operates a food pantry.

The need for good-quality produce in Philadelphia is significant, as one in six people relies on emergency food programs for support. However, only a fraction of donated food items are of high nutritional quality, with fresh produce presenting additional challenges due to the need for refrigeration. Organizations like Ready, Willing & Able Philadelphia benefit from the fresh, locally grown produce provided by community gardens like South Street Community Garden, emphasizing the importance of quality and freshness in food donations.

City Harvest plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and variety in the types of produce grown in community gardens. With 275,000 seedlings representing 140 varieties of vegetables and herbs, the initiative caters to the diverse ethnic backgrounds of city gardeners. This inclusivity ensures that gardeners can grow culturally relevant and unique crops that may not be readily available in local grocery stores.

Informal food connections also play a significant role in distributing surplus produce to those in need. Community fridges, which gained popularity during the pandemic, continue to provide free groceries to residents. Organizations like Share Food Program utilize their farm and food rescue arm to stock community fridges with fresh produce, ensuring that individuals have access to nutritious food options.

Overall, the efforts of PHS, City Harvest, and community gardeners in Philadelphia highlight the importance of hyperlocal organic produce in addressing food insecurity and building community connections. By providing free access to fresh, diverse, and culturally relevant produce, these initiatives contribute to a healthier and more resilient city for all residents.