Summary

Nearly 1 in 5 households with children reported food hardship and more than 25% of working families in Colorado do not have enough food to meet their basic needs (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). By transforming 40 lawns into organic gardens, we will grow enough fresh produce to feed 250 Colorado families. Using gardens as a classroom, participants learn sustainability, environmental awareness, healthy food practices, and how to combat obesity and other health issues associated with food hardships.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

16.5 million children in America, or 1 in 4, are food insecure. “Colorado has the third-fastest growing rate of child poverty in the nation, with more kids living in poverty during 2012 than the worst of the Great Recession” (Kids Count in Colorado! 2014). Over 92% of kids at Edgewater Elementary receive free or reduced lunch. Many families cannot afford healthy food and choose unhealthy diets without realizing the consequences. Poor nutrition leads to obesity and severely diminished health.

How will this project solve this problem?

Jovial Concepts transforms portions of lawns into high yield organic gardens. Our gardens will provide produce to 250 food insecure families in 2015! We teach community members how to grow affordable food for themselves, the importance of eating healthy, and are strengthening community bonds. This year, we are reviving a greenhouse at Edgewater Elementary School where students will have year round garden classes! Our produce goes to youth, veterans, seniors, homeless, and low-income families.

Potential Long Term Impact

Potentially, our gardens will be a platform for sustainable neighborhoods. Communities that create their own goods create more money, jobs, and opportunities. By increasing access to basic needs and improving the health of individuals in a community, we can open up funds for education, housing, and transportation. By demonstrating solutions to hunger, we hope to inspire more self-sustaining communities while curving major issues of poverty nationwide.