In the midst of change, we grow
First plans for the garden. Now there are raised beds, pathways, and 45 plots for growing food.
“Historically things happen ‘to’ our community, not ‘for’ it,” said Erika Hickey of East Missoula.
Community Garden staffers Tara and Emily jump for joy as they invite new gardeners to apply for a plot
Inspired to change that dynamic, she and her community group of East Missoula United, came to us to build a community garden.
“We are an underserved area – no sidewalks, no grocery store,” added Debbie Hirshberg, another East Missoula resident.
As the cost of living has grown, so has the community, with folks moving to East Missoula in search of more affordable housing options.
Erika had her eye on an underused corner of a park and asked us to help turn it into a thriving garden. Missoula County owns the land so she invited them to the table, too. That was in 2021. Over the next four years, we all pounded the pavement surveying neighbors to determine interest, raise money, renew the soil, build the garden beds, and more. This spring, the East Missoula garden is opening – complete with 45 garden plots including accessible beds, pathways, and a handmade shed.
As we finished construction last year, almost 12% of folks living in Missoula County were food insecure. Community gardens offer a dynamic solution, combatting hunger right here where we live.
We know when food budgets are tight people choose cheaper options to keep hunger at bay. I always think of a story a colleague shared with me about frozen hot dogs. A new community gardener had shared with my colleague that she was so thankful for her plot — it was so good to eat fresh vegetables again. The gardener said to make it through the winter, she had bought as many packages of deeply discounted hot dogs as she could afford, froze them, and lived off them for the month—it felt like her only option. She said that once she had her plot, the harvest was what she lived on.
Your contribution helps cultivate these vital spaces.
The accessibility and affordability of our community gardens, along with the support we provide – garden space, tools, water, compost – reduce barriers to fresh food. Gardeners often share their harvest, making connections and helping others who might be struggling to make ends meet.
Our programs – from community gardens and urban farms to youth education and local food distribution – serve as a foundation for building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.
So I challenge you, in a time of change, to step up and help this organization grow. Please make a gift today.
“Community gardens are great spaces for families to spend time together, to teach children where their food comes from. This is a respectful thing that is happening in our community, and it will benefit both current and future generations.”
