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#springfieldil

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DoomsdaysCW

#CommunityGardens help fill the gap with rising grocery costs

by Carlee Bronkema Mar 10, 2025

#SpringfieldIL - "When grocery bills start climbing, fresh fruits and vegetables are often the first to go. But community gardens in Springfield are hoping to help fill the gap, and provide healthy choices for the community.

"'We not only have the produce available, but produce of a quality that really makes us proud,' said Yves Doumen, Founder and Director of Motherland Gardens Community Project. 'We started this as a response to food insecurity during COVID... we really have a lot of issues with food supply in the community where we are.'

"Motherland has already started growing several varieties of vegetables, using a green house on the property. They have an area with personal plots, where community members can 'rent' a bed to grow plants in. They also have communal plots, where they grow the food they provide to community members.

"The Enos Park community Gardens also provides a similar service in Springfield. They have a mix of both communal and personal plots in their garden space. Manager Carey Smith says they have a large waitlist for their personal plots, and believes it could be due to the cost of fresh produce in the store.

"'In our neighborhood we have an expensive grocery store so a lot of people do shop for their groceries at the dollar store, which is not ideal,' said Smith. 'To be able to supplement with fruits and vegetables from out garden is really helpful. We also see people who come from the hospital who are told to change their diets immediately and they go to the grocery store and can't afford that.'

"In 2024, the Enos Park has 2,300 visitor and volunteer engagements. They provide their produce to their volunteers, a food pantry and a community center. They also host few farmer's markets on Saturdays once summer produce starts kicking in.

"Smith and Doumen both say they think demand will increase in coming months due to tariffs, rising costs, and the end of food-related aid programs.

"Motherland starts providing produce at the end of June twice a week. As more plants start to grow, they will provide food to whoever stops by when it is available. They also hold events to educate community members about growing their own food, cooking with local produce, and handing out surplus supplies."

wandtv.com/community/community
#FoodSovereignty #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #SolarPunkSunday

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