In the Garden ~ Victory Garden

 

        The effort at home during World War I was to encourage families to plant a Victory Garden.  Widely encouraged during World War II as well, Victory Gardens were a sign of support and self-sufficiency of the Americans on the home front.  Call it what you will, a garden is one of the best ways for people to feed themselves from the land they already own and occupy.  A Victory Garden became ways for neighbors to help neighbors during times of strife and challenge. 

Today the landscape of the American people has changed and gardens could have a bigger impact on today's culture than ever before.  Food deserts are popping up everywhere in large cities and create food scarcity for millions of families.  Food scarcity is a larger problem today than it was sixty or even seventy years ago.  Afterall, “13.7 percent (18.3 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2024” (https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/key-statistics-graphics).  

Not everyone can grow a garden or have access to even attempt to grow in containers but there are other options available to help reduce food scarcity.  In our community alone there are several food resources that are open to applicants and provide a variety of food choices to help eliminate food scarcity.  There is even a community garden whose goal it is to feed those in need but provide a learning space for others to learn how to grow their own food and help them to become self-sufficient.  

Gardening is more than just feeding your family. It’s a skill that can be put to use to help others learn to grow food and provide nutrition in a meaningful and fulfilling way.  The sense of pride and accomplishment from growing your own food and sharing with those around you is worth more than one can measure.  “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”  The same concept can be given to the garden.  

A garden doesn’t need to be acres upon acres.  It can start at as two small pots of items you want to try.  Potatoes and tomatoes, or squash and cucumbers.  Find your favorite veggie and start out small, then grow as you learn more and can expand into more space.  Find a sunny window and allow your plants to flourish.  Learn from family, friends or the internet how to grow your favorite food.  Ask for help from your local garden center or attend a live class to learn how to grow your own food.  

Knowledge is power in all things, not just in your primary education but in all aspects of your life.  Work with your neighbors to grow different things and share the bounty with each other.  Come together and grow food to feed your body and your soul.  Whether you are growing food for your family or to share, the reward will be worth the effort in the end.