Community gardens nourish our neighborhoods

Improving the environment doesn’t always entail a big undertaking. It can start small, with local, eco-friendly initiatives like creating community gardens in our neighborhoods. Community gardens are amazing grass-roots projects that incentivize community building and nutrition education among residents.
Here on Long Island, there are many misconceptions about the level of need in our communities. Between the cost of living in our towns and villages and rising inflation, the ability of families and seniors on fixed incomes to afford nutritious food is significantly diminished. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing some of these societal issues, we have seen community gardens utilized in various ways that promote positive social interaction and self-reliance among community members. From encouraging recreation to addressing food insecurity and expanding access to nutritious food options, these gardens have a tangible return on investment.
Beyond addressing food insecurity, community gardens offer recreational opportunities that promote physical and mental well-being. These green spaces provide a welcoming environment for community members to come together, engage in shared activities, and build relationships. Gardening activities encourage physical exercise and outdoor engagement, contributing to healthier lifestyles. Moreover, tending to a garden can have therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and improving mental health.
Furthermore, community gardens have a profound impact on education. They are adaptable to various facilities, allowing for the beautification of our communities while providing valuable learning opportunities for participants of all ages. Schools can integrate these gardens into their programs, offering students hands-on experiences with things like planting and cultivating. This firsthand exposure to agriculture and nature fosters a deeper understanding of nutrition as well as the environment.
Recently I collaborated with the Village of Valley Stream and the Cornell Cooperative Extension program to establish a community garden in the 22nd Assembly District. Since the coronavirus pandemic, combating hunger has been a major priority of mine. In this year’s Nassau County budget, my legislative colleagues and I secured the expansion of free school meals for our students, and additional funding for nutrition education outreach programs as well as the farm-to-food bank program NourishNY.
I encourage villages and towns to continue the expansion of community gardens across Long Island, to empower residents and provide much-needed food resources for individuals in need. With the escalating climate crisis, there is no better time than now to concentrate on enhancing our collective sustainability and making strategic investments in green-based initiatives that create beautiful, healthy and self-sustained communities.

Michaelle C. Solages, who represents the 22nd Assembly District, serves as the deputy majority leader and the chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.