In some cultures, such as in the US, having a front yard of green grass is not only considered beautiful, it’s also a status symbol. In fact, it’s so important that some towns actually make it illegal not to grow grass. But what if we were to use this land for something more useful? What if we saw the land in our communities as a resource that could provide free food to everyone?
One household in Austin, Texas had this very idea and started something called the Food is Free project. They took old, recycled materials like pallets and used political signs and created a small garden in front of their home. They then put a sign out front, telling their neighbors what they were doing. The sign said that the food was free and that the neighbors should write down their contact info if they wanted help building their own garden. The sign also explained that these small gardens are easy to build and even easier to maintain.
It didn’t take long for the neighbors to take an interest in what they were doing. They saw them growing fresh fruits and vegetables and wanted to get involved. Not only did this kickstart their project, it helped them get to know their neighbors better.
Soon, most of the households in the neighborhood had their own mini garden out front. This instantly made the neighborhood greener and more beautiful. It also meant that nobody had far to go if they wanted free food. Some people grew tomatoes; others grew leafy greens. Whenever someone needed vegetables, they just went and asked their neighbors.
What was once just empty space or grass became a valuable asset to the neighborhood. Everyone pitching in made it so there was always enough to go around.
This is only one neighborhood, but the project’s goal is to get people all around the world involved. Look around you and notice all the empty space that’s available. Imagine if that space could be used to grow food to feed the people who live near you.
References:
https://foodisfreeproject.org/
https://www.facebook.com/foodisfree
In the US, having a front yard of green grass is not only beautiful, it’s also a status symbol. It’s so important that some towns say you must grow grass in front of your house. But what if we were to use yards for something useful? What if we used yards to grow free food for everyone?
In Austin, Texas one house started the Food is Free project. They took old things like used signs and made a small garden in front of their home. They then put a sign out front, telling their neighbors what they were doing. The sign said that the food was free. It also asked neighbors to write down their names if they wanted help making their own garden.
The neighbors took an interest in what they were doing. They saw them growing fresh fruits and vegetables and wanted to get involved. This kickstarted their project and it helped them get to know their neighbors better.
Soon, most of the houses nearby had their own gardens out front. This made the area greener and more beautiful and everyone could get free food. Whenever someone needed vegetables, they just went and asked their neighbors. What was once just empty space or grass became useful for all the neighbors. Everyone pitching in made it so there was always enough to go around.
This is only one place, but the project’s goal is to get people all around the world involved. Look around you at all the empty space. Imagine that space growing food for people who live near you.
References:
https://foodisfreeproject.org/
https://www.facebook.com/foodisfree
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