In Portland, Oregon, a small gathering celebrates the one year anniversary of the Better Together Garden just outside city hall. Only a handful of city halls across the nation have planted their own food gardens.
Though symbolic in nature, according to Steve Cohen, with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the garden also provides fresh produce for city residents in need. The garden food is used by the nonprofit organization, Loaves & Fishes to feed seniors in their Meals On Wheels program.
As Cohen explains in the video, the garden itself is administered by volunteers, and also in conjunction with the Master Gardener extension program at Oregon State University. Master gardener Jennifer Aron, from Peaceful Gardens, volunteers her time every week to oversee the ongoing project.
This is a win-win for all involved, and another working example of Portland’s leadership in the sustainability arena.