Today, most people think of EANDC as an affordable housing provider, fair housing advocate and property developer, but the roots of our work began many years ago when founders Grady Appleton and Cazzell Smith saw the East Akron community being neglected and made a commitment to help Akron residents live better lives through safe, affordable housing.
One of the ways this work has evolved is through the beautification efforts in nearby areas. This was especially crucial after the foreclosure crisis wreaked havoc on East Akron and surrounding neighborhoods.
Some of these projects, like our community gardens, have been on pause since the pandemic. But with the first signs of spring breaking through, we are pleased to announce that efforts to revitalize our community gardens are underway!
Below are a few of the reasons we believe community gardens help build stronger communities.
RECLAIMING VACANT LOTS
In the years following the national foreclosure crisis, Northeast Ohio was one of the areas most affected by neighborhoods full of abandoned homes and vacant lots. Since 2013, EANDC has invested in community gardens as one way to creatively repurpose vacant lots in East Akron.
By replacing empty lots and littered yards with community gardens, EANDC also helps make the neighborhood look more welcoming while improving property values.ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD
Community gardens provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Families who assist with growing food are more likely to try new foods and cook with them, leading to healthier eating habits that could last a lifetime.
In our fast food culture, everyone can benefit from more nutrient-dense, vitamin-rich, low cholesterol foods in our diet — gardening is one of the best ways to get more healthy, nutritious foods for your family.COMMUNITY BUILDING
Community gardens make a wonderful place for neighbors to get to know one another and build relationships. They are also a natural setting for intergenerational connections as experienced gardeners pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Seed swaps, volunteer events, and harvest celebrations are just a few of the ways gardeners can build community.
According to research, community gardens also appear to have “a positive influence on neighborhoods, with residents reporting neighborhood revitalization, perceived immunity from crime, and neighbors emulating gardening practices they saw at the community gardens.”PHYSICAL FITNESS
Taking care of a garden is good for your health! From the heavy lift of a spring clean up to planting season, weeding, watering and harvest — gardening is a very physically active hobby. In addition to the healthy food you’ll be eating, communities can also benefit from the cardiovascular benefits of increased exercise.ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Green spaces and urban gardens can help improve air quality and soil health. They can also decrease the carbon footprint of a neighborhood. By growing food near your home, you don’t have to drive to a store and food doesn’t have to be shipped or transported, reducing vehicle transmissions.
If your community garden supports composting (turning food scraps into plant food) you can also decrease food waste by teaching about sustainable gardening and encouraging neighbors to deposit their food scraps in the compost bin.
For more information about EANDC’s community garden at Chittenden and McKinley in East Akron or to reserve a garden space, contact Vince Adamus at 234-208-8056 or vadamus@eandc.org.