The Victory Garden Initiative of WWI and WWII began to support the war effort. People throughout the United States grew their own produce in yards, parks, and other community spaces so that all available resources could go towards the war effort. At this time, we are once again in our green spaces growing food, but today we are fighting a different kind of battle. We are fighting for food security from an industrial agriculture system that is destroying our health and the health of our ecosystems. We are fighting for freedom from big oil interests. For resilient communities that support one another. For strong local economies that resist corporate greed. For a connection to cycle of life. And for good, tasty food…from garden to plate.
So how does one become a Victory Gardener of today, you ask? It’s quite simple. We become vegetable gardeners. If we are already vegetable gardeners, we help someone else do so through mentoring. We find creative ways to grow food right where we are, in our yards, on our rooftops, on our patios – no piece of earth be over-looked. We lead by example. We talk about gardening when we go to dinner parties, at PTA meetings, and around the office water cooler. We garden ubiquitously and confidently knowing that we are doing what is best for our families, our communities, and our country. This is a grassroots movement. Move grass. Grow food. The Victory Garden Initiative.
Let’s eat as if our lives depend on it.