Cape Ann Farmers’
Market Launches New Backyard Growers Program
Applications now being
accepted to help residents grow their own vegetable gardens
Feb. 11, 2011 — The Cape Ann Farmers’
Market is now accepting applications for its 2011 Backyard Growers Program,
which helps Gloucester residents grow fresh vegetables and save money on their
grocery bills by growing gardens in their own backyards. The number of spots in
the program is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The
BYG program provides raised beds, compost, garden installation, seedlings,
seeds, and garden training and mentoring to Gloucester residents who want to
create backyard vegetable gardens. The backyard gardens are intended to meet
some of the families’ food needs, improve environmental conditions in downtown
neighborhoods, and build neighborhood unity within diverse populations. The
program also offers growers the opportunity to sell their surplus produce at
the farmers’ market’s Backyard Growers Table.
The 2010 BYG pilot program worked with seven
families in the Beacon Street neighborhood and at the Riverdale Youth Community
Garden in Riverdale Park. All of the participants were amazed at the incredible
yields that came out of their backyard gardens, and reported that they were
saving money at the grocery store and eating more fresh vegetables as a result
of the program. The Riverdale youth learned how to manage their community farm,
sold their produce at the Backyard Growers Table, and provided produce for The Open Door Mobile Market at Riverdale
Park.
The
BYG program partners with The Food Project, Inc. (www.thefoodproject.org) to
access resources and expertise and to fulfill mutual goals. In 2010 the Cape
Ann Farmers’ Market received funding from the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation and
the Sparkplug Foundation to support the BYG program, and received product
donations from Goose Cove Gardens and Brick Ends Farm.
This year the program will spread out from the
Beacon Street neighborhood into a wider geographic area to work with 25 new
families. The BYG program will also partner with The Open
Door Garden Project (www.foodpantry.org)
to create gardens and work with families at their Emerson
Avenue facility.
The program will continue to work with the 2010 participants and will deepen
its relationship with the Riverdale Park Youth Garden by increasing the
frequency and duration of the hands-on farm training. In addition, the BYG
program will pilot a new mentoring program, building a volunteer force of
gardening mentors who will meet regularly with backyard growers to provide
consistent follow-up garden support. If you are interested in becoming a garden
mentor please contact the Backyard Growers Coordinator for details.
To Participate
· If you live within the
following areas you are eligible to apply for the 2011 program: south of the
train tracks, west of Washington St., north of Granite St./Blynman Ave., and
east of the high school/food pantry area. One of the goals of this program is
to create a neighborhood of growers who can support one another throughout the
growing season. Each year the program will expand to serve more Gloucester
neighborhoods.
· Preference is given to
low- to moderate-income residents, but anyone in the neighborhood is welcome to
apply.
· Applications are
accepted from people with all levels of garden experience – from beginners to
green thumbs.
· Applications are
accepted from people with no existing gardens and people who already have
garden beds, but who want to access the trainings, resources, and community
that are offered through the program.
· The application deadline
is Friday, March 11 for a limited number of spots.
To
learn more about the BYG program and to download a 2011 program application,
please go to www.capeannfarmersmarket.org/backyard-growers, or contact Lara
Lepionka, Backyard Growers Coordinator, at 978-283-1308 or
lara. The Cape Ann Farmers’ Market’s mission is to be a regular, healthy source of fresh
food for the people of Cape Ann at prices they can afford. The market also
supports a network of local food growers and producers and the local economy
that is fueled by their success. Check the website soon for upcoming details on
the 2011 farmers’ market or contact Nicole Bogin, Market Manager, at
978-290-2717 or capeannfarmersmarket.
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Lara Lepionka
Good Morning Gloucester 