Food insecurity is a complex issue that no organization can address alone. To expand our reach, GardenWorks collaborates with gardeners, staff, and volunteers at community garden sites and partner organization locations throughout the western suburbs. Partnering with 50+ organizations such as Metropolitan Family Services, Mercy Housing, and Bridge Communities, we can make an impact not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

“Food is a basic need,” said Megan DeAngelis, manager of family wellness at Bridge Communities, a local organization serving families facing homelessness. “Knowing how to grow your own food will, down the road, provide a foundation for sustainability so families can rely less on a grocery store.”

This year, GardenWorks grew with families in 19 vegetable garden beds across four Bridge Communities properties. Megan and Bridge program participants tell us about the incredible impact that this partnership makes, and how it sustains even beyond the Bridge program. “The GardenWorks Project is the reason I still grow today.” Gardener Kristin S notes. “GardenWorks definitely changed my life as I would not have known I had a green thumb if they did not offer their services with Bridge Communities.”

Collaboration with other social service agencies expands our impact beyond the garden beds and fosters a long-term solution to fighting hunger in the region. The work is making a difference. The Bridge partnership this year supported almost 1,600 healthy meals this season alone and lays the foundation for future successes and self-sufficiency. As this year’s season comes to a close, but as this watermelon harvested at a Bridge Communities site in Naperville demonstrates, it’s been quite a success. 

These collaborations are made possible by your support. This holiday season, we would be incredibly grateful to be the recipients of your Giving Tuesday (November 28) or year-end charitable donations.

However you choose to give of your treasure, time, and talents, we hope you will consider GIVING TO GROW a healthier tomorrow with more food secure communities: 

• Help spread the word by sharing our work and impact with friends, family, and colleagues
  

• Donate to support next year’s food growing programs as we kick off our year-end campaign with Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28Your support helps us make our community a better, more inclusive place, one garden at a time.