Working families that raise at least some of their own food reap some pretty impressive benefits. First and most obvious, food you grow yourself is fresher. Many foods taste really different when prepared immediately or eaten fresh from the garden. Sweet corn comes to mind, but then again, truly fresh herbs are completely different than their dried bottled cousins.
Second, you know how it was grown. No wondering exactly what the USDA Certified Organic label means. You know exactly how it was grown, because you did it. Because the food is healthier, so are you.
Third, you get exercise and have the satisfaction of eating what you raised. I really enjoy gardening – even weeding. Community gardens allow apartment dwellers, condo owners and even those who cannot afford any permanent housing to have a garden. If you choose to rent a community garden space, you get the added advantage of making friends with fellow gardens.
Fourth, you save money. The biggest reason poor and working families in Wisconsin consume so much junk food is because it is relative cheap calories. Fresh and nutritious food costs money.
The big bonus to you and your family is that instead of forking over money at the grocery store, you have a little left to help pay those rising health insurance premiums, or the higher utility bills you get to pay for subsidizing the 5% utility bill discount Walker gave to big corporations last year. Yes, the 1% has unbounded greed and they could care less what you eat. Raising at least some of your own food returns to you a measure of control over this very important aspect of your life.
Resources
Community Action Coalition - Community Gardens
City of Madison - Community Gardens
Eagle Heights Community Gardens
Community GroundWorks (Troy Gardens)
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