Food Gardens

Parks grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in community gardens.

NPS Photo

Food gardens bring people together over something that everyone enjoys‒food! Whether you have a green thumb, are an experienced agriculturist, or are just interested in learning more about the farm to table movement, there’s a park for you.

What are food gardens?

Food gardens are shared plots of land where people gather to grow fresh flowers and produce; they include learning gardens, farmers markets, working farms, and more.

Volunteers help plant and maintain community gardens throughout the season.

NPS Photo

Food gardens are beneficial to the environment, and to the health of park visitors. They establish sustainable farming practices and provide opportunities for environmental education. Exposure to food gardens can increase people’s knowledge and experience with gardening, and willingness to try and consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Did you know that kids who frequently try fruits and vegetables tend to have healthier lifestyles as adults?

Who can benefit from food gardens in our parks?

People of all ages and abilities can benefit from parks. This is especially true for populations who use parks infrequently including:

• minorities

• low-income populations

• people with disabilities

Other priority populations who can benefit include:

• youths

• seniors

• active military and veterans

The National Park Service has identified food gardens as a Healthy Parks Healthy People promising practice. Healthy Parks Healthy People promising practices are science-informed programs and policies in parks that can help people lead happier, healthier, more productive lives.