Community Gardens and Farmers Markets

(This article was printed in the April Delano Dispatch (Delano Neighborhood Association) and the Wichita Independent Neighborhoods April newsletter. I would have had this posted a week ago, but Blogger won't let me cut and paste, so I had to wait until I had time to type it all in...)

Interest in gardening has increased by as much as 25% this year according to some estimates. In fact, companies like Burpee and Park Seed have reported difficulties in keeping vegetable seeds in stock. Much of this increase is fueled by rising food costs, the current state of the economy and, to a lesser extent, an increased interest in better nutrition.

Garden plots are sprouting up in back yards across the country, much like the Victory Gardens that became popular during WWII. Urban dwellers are growing vegetables in containers on their patios or rooftops. Community Gardens are gaining popularity among those who do not have a suitable place for a garden of their own.

Infinite Growth Opportunities (www.igoks.com) currently has 12 Community Gardens in Wichita. For little more than the price of seed (or starts) and a little effort, a person can stake out a plot of their own in one of these gardens. Those who spend time working in the larger community plots may share in the produce from those plots as well.

In addition to the savings realized from growing your own food there are a number of intangible benefits to gardening. There are health benefits to working outside in the sun and fresh air; and digging in the dirt and being around plants increases serotonin levels and gives a sense of well-being. Community Gardens help to strengthen neighborhoods by providing an opportunity for individuals to be involved and encouraging interaction between neighbors.

Farmers' Markets are also gaining in popularity, with 3,000 new markets opening in the U.S. in the past 2 years. Farmers' Markets offer a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce at a good price and the opportunity for the consumer to interact directly with the producers. Many markets also offer education on nutrition and food preparation.

Shoppers at a Farmers' Market help support the local economy and get fresher produce and more personal service than is found at supermarket chains. Small producers (family farms or back-yard gardeners) are able to sell produce which they might not raise in sufficient quantities to sell to grocery stores. Producers and consumers both benefit from this arrangement.

Historic Delano, Inc. is working with Infinite Growth Opportunities to start a Farmers' Market in the Delano neighborhood. The Delano Community Farmers' Market will provide an outlet for excess produce raised in Community Gardens (or back-yard plots) and allow gardeners to supplement their income with what they have grown and will not use themselves.

We are currently looking for people that are interested in helping with the Community Gardens or the Delano Market. The Delano Community Garden (located at the Senior Center) will be expanded to more than double the size of last year. Volunteers do not need to live in Delano. Check IGO's web site for the locations of their other existing gardens.

For information about Community Gardens contact Susan Schoket at igoks@sbcglobal.net.

For information about the Delano Market contact Jill Houtz at market@historicdelano.com.