At Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, we pride ourselves on developing innovative and sustainable solutions to ending hunger in our community. Through collaboration with community members, we can leverage resources, expertise, and outreach to co-create solutions that better serve our neighbors facing hunger and food insecurity.
That is why we are excited to announce that the Food Shuttle has partnered with the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (Raleigh Parks) to launch the Raleigh Parks Community Gardens Program. After initial collaborations between the Food Shuttle and Dorothea Dix Park in 2022, Raleigh Parks recognized the leadership of the Food Shuttle in urban agriculture and innovative production. When Raleigh Parks released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in April 2023 to establish a Raleigh Parks Community Gardens program, the Food Shuttle answered the call and was awarded a contract to partner with Raleigh Parks on this effort through mid-2026.
The pilot phase of this partnership aims to plan and develop five new community gardens, strategically located in areas with high need and demand. The Food Shuttle will provide their subject matter expertise to guide Raleigh Parks and respective Community Action Teams (CATs) to establish and sustain Community Gardens on park properties. Phase one of this collaboration will focus on Barwell Road Park, where planting efforts are underway by the Barwell Community Garden CAT. Additionally, the four forthcoming gardens are planned for Eastgate Park, Dorothea Dix Park, Sanderford Road Park, and Walnut Creek Wetland Center.
Photos taken by Beth Lowery Photography & Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
By strategically distributing these gardens at Raleigh Parks, the partnership aims to improve food security while promoting community engagement and sustainability. Community gardens serve as more than just sources of fresh, nutritious food; they also function as centers for social justice through community involvement, education, and empowerment. Through careful placement, the Food Shuttle and Raleigh Parks intend to amplify their impact, promoting equitable access to fresh food options for individuals and families in underserved areas while nurturing a sense of community. The Food Shuttle will continue to support these community gardens by providing Agriculture Education.
The partnership with Raleigh Parks was developed through a comprehensive interdepartmental effort across the Food Shuttle’s Community Gardens, Agriculture Education, Gardens for Everyone, and Volunteer Services teams. By effectively combining our collective strengths and knowledge, this partnership shares a commitment to making a positive impact toward ending hunger in our community.
Barwell Road Community Center has planned to hold a Community Day event on April 13th where you can learn more about community resources and how to get involved in the Barwell Road Park Community Garden. All inquiries regarding Raleigh Parks Community Gardens should be directed to CommunityGardens@raleighnc.gov.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Give – Please consider supporting our Community Gardens program with a gift. To donate, click here.
Become a Gardener - We extend a warm welcome to new community gardeners at our Camden Street and Geer Street Learning Gardens. To learn about becoming a community gardener, please reach out to Mikey at mikey@foodshuttle.org.
Volunteer – Opportunities to volunteer at our Community Gardens are available! Explore them here.