Community CROPS, Lincoln

The Community Crops garden program strives to strengthen Lincoln communities. To do this, it supports community gardens in which residents grow nutritious, fresh produce and beautify their city, providing the land, water, seeds, and tools for 250 plots at 11 sites. In 2014, the gardening program produced more than 27,915 pounds of food, with the participation of more than 900 gardeners. As a community-building effort, Community Crops never turns away interested gardeners, and it provides 70% of participants with financial assistance for their plots.

Crops volunteers and AmeriCorps members prep the gardens for the season, mulching paths with wood chips, adding composted manure to the plots, and taking inventory of tools and hoses at each garden. The staff also organizes organic growing and gardening classes for the community.