Our Giving Grove program mission is to increase access to healthy food, strengthen community and improve the urban environment by planting perennial fruits, berries and nuts in neighborhoods that need it most.
We envision:
hundreds of little orchards in food insecure urban neighborhoods across our city;
a system of local food production that feeds people for decades;
a network of neighborhood stewards trained in holistic methods for growing fruit; and
urban neighborhoods transformed by their own work and generosity.
History:
The Giving Grove launched in 2013 in Kansas City. The idea was simple: work side-by-side with residents teaching them how to grow fruit in their own neighborhood using holistic techniques, creating a local food source that lasts for generations. The impact was unexpected.
• Little orchards add healthy calories and variety to food insecure diets.
• Little orchards foster a sense of belonging, creating a gathering space where food is shared, children play and neighbors grow closer.
• Little orchards make neighborhoods safer and more livable.
• Little orchards help children reach their full potential - when kids get all the calories they need, they’re able to focus and perform better at school.
• Little orchards inspire generosity. Today’s orchards cultivate food for tomorrow’s children.
• Little orchards cultivate community leaders. Orchards amplify resident voices that influence local investment.
Sign up to become a Giving Grove. For more information on starting an orchard in your community, please email us at [email protected] or contact, Steven Hyden, Giving Grove program manager at [email protected].