In Bridgeport, the crown jewel is Green Village Initiative’s Reservoir Community Farm, a couple of acres of abandoned pavement that were transformed into a green oasis growing food for city residents. The farmers, a diverse team of students and adults, have worked the land for nine years to improve the organic content, tilth and productivity of the soil. The farm is a place for Park City residents to grow, learn, and teach farming practices that can be used in local community gardens and 23 school gardens where growing food is integrated into the student curriculum. “Better nutrition, better learning!”
Creating and growing these gardens and the relationships within them provides a powerful example of success through cooperation, a great civics lesson. A wise and generous farmer, Sal Gilbertie of Easton, donated compost and knowledge to help create Reservoir Community Farm. The lesson for us all: building a healthy soil is like adding to a savings account, and the dividends of increased food production compound each year, regardless of the Federal Reserve Board and the economy.
Growing local, urban food systems have the added benefit of economic development. GVI’s farm hub at Reservoir has invested $700,000 for site and soil improvement, local employment and materials to build growing structures such as hoop houses and a greenhouse. Annually, GVI provides 19 local jobs and paid student internships, and showcases two new urban farms, Park City Harvest and Blissful Awakenings, at their weekly farmers market each season. The High Ridge “farm in a box” will also add a number of jobs for growing and food distribution adding to this green economy.
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