THE


Sharing the vision and supporting the mission of the Triangle area non-profit community.


Heart T by Judy Liu, MPH


he North Carolina Community Garden Partners (NCCGP) is a volunteer-based grassroots


non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the quantity, quality and sustainability of community gardens across North Carolina. What are community gardens? A


community garden is any piece of land gardened by a group of people. Gardens come in all sizes and shapes, and are filled with a glorious diversity of both crops and gardeners. Com- munity gardens are the new village green–creating healthier communities by increasing community involvement and interaction between neighbors, providing fresh fruits and vegetables, and increasing opportunities for phys- ical activity. Gardens can save money, increase green space, serve as unique hands-on educational centers and much more. Gardens increase local food quantity, quality and access. Founded in 2008, NCCGP grew out of


statewide discussions about how to move community gardening forward across North Carolina. NCCGP has cultivated a network of gardeners and supporters who share support, information, and experi- ence with new gardens and with each other. Through their GROW (Gardeners Recreating Our World) Program, they’ve introduced training in best practices to community gardens in all regions of our state. Their annual statewide meeting


brings together gardeners from across North Carolina and the Southeast for learning and networking. They partner with sister community gardening organi- zations, notably The American Commu- nity Gardening Association (ACGA) and the NC Cooperative Extension. NCCGP’s mission is to increase the


quantity, quality, and sustainability of community gardens across North Caro- lina. NCCGP works to ensure organiza- tional sustainability and leadership that is representative of the cultural, economic and geographic diversity in NC and responsive to organizational challenges. They support efforts to develop and sustain community garden initiatives and assist target audiences in overcoming barriers. They also foster a network of diverse people knowledgeable about and engaged in community gardens and related issues across the state. They organize forums to ensure the exchange of knowledge and resources between and among members of their target audiences and other stakeholders. NCCGP believes that everyone


should have access to enough healthful, affordable, and culturally appropriate food to nourish them and their families. They aim to be inclusive of all people who have a stake in community gardens. NCCGP believes that growing food is best done in a manner that is environ- mentally-friendly and that respects and supports natural ecological processes. Joining NCCGP is simple and easy;


all individual and garden member- ships are free! NCCGP is a nonprofit


membership organization. Their members truly are partners who play a central and empowered role in creating and supporting NCCGP programs, and in keeping the organization strong. By joining, you do more than support the cause–you become part of a strong statewide network. Members also gain access to unique benefits, including: • Discounts on registration fees for


NCCGP events including our annual conference as well as workshops and other activities throughout the year. • Letters of support for grant applica-


tions or other funding opportunities, and to support gardens under threat, from the NCCGP Board of Directors. There is power in numbers. Support each other! • A free subscription to their e-news-


letter, The Garden Beet, featuring fund- ing information, a gardening calendar, upcoming educational opportunities, prizes, book reviews, and more. Your garden may even be highlighted in the “Garden Spotlight” feature. • Join the 150+ other community


gardens in the NC Garden Directory. • Voting privileges for the annual


election of the Board of Directors. • The opportunity to join a NCCGP


committee and take part in other volunteer service opportunities, where you can join forces and make friends with a diverse and fun group of fellow garden supporters.


For information about joining or volunteer- ing, please visit http://www.nccgp.org/ or contact Cade Underwood at cade.under- wood@nccgp.org or call 828-808-0558.


Natural Awakenings supports Triangle area non-profits by offering a free full-page feature article each month. It is a very visible platform from which an organization can tell its story and detail the services it offers. Please let us know if you would like for your non-profit organization to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue. Call 919-342-2831 or email TrianglePublisher@NatualAwakeningsMag.com.


natural awakenings August 2017 37


Striving to Sustain and Increase Gardening Efforts throughout North Carolina


OF THE TRIANGLE


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