New Toolkit Promotes Food Production at Housing Sites

Housing communities can play a key role in increasing food security and overall health by providing opportunities for residents to grow their own food, access food and nutrition education, and participate in physical exercise. Edible landscaping and community gardens can also beautify the landscape, improve mental health, and play an active role in building community. This toolkit is a resource for housing authorities, residents, housing site managers, buildings and grounds staff, service providers, and others who want to establish, enhance, or support edible landscaping and community gardening at housing sites. Highlights include:

• Real examples of edible landscapes and community gardens at housing sites in Vermont
• Tools for planning and implementing an edible landscape project at your housing site
• Questions to ask key players and tips for engaging them in the project
• Advice from garden coordinators at housing sites around Vermont
• Problem-solving in the garden
• Gardening, cooking, and nutrition education resources
• And more!  

Visit vcgn.org/housing-toolkit/ to download a free PDF or order a print copy of the Toolkit.

PLEASE NOTE: This Toolkit is a working document that will be updated periodically with more resources to support your work.  Let us know what you still want to see!  Share your feedback and stories by contacting Libby at libby@vcgn.org or the VCGN office at (802) 861-4769.

This toolkit was developed by the Vermont Community Garden Network and Vermont Edible Landscapes, with the support of the Irvin Stern Foundation and private donors.