Community gardens for immigrants and refugees in Greater Cincinnati

Community Gardens Program

Our first community garden was created in Cincinnati in partnership with Franciscan Ministries. It allowed refugees to grow their own food and create meals from home that they may not be able to easily find in stores. In addition to bringing their culture to their new home, they also get to meet local families who share the plot! They learn about gardening together and help each other when obstacles arise.     

Cultivating Food Security One Garden at a Time

Gardeners get to take fresh produce home to their families as well as stock food pantries in their neighborhoods. This has been instrumental for families' economic security, not only for the gardeners themselves, but also for their community. 

Community Building

As the plots are shared, they give an easy way for immigrants and refugees to interact with locals and create new friendships. This offers a relaxed and less intimidating approach to engaging with local families. They get to share knowledge, culture, and build a lasting connection.

Connecting immigrant families with local Cincinnati families through shared gardening

Mental & Physical Health

Gardening is a place where all ages can come and enjoy a productive activity. It keeps clients from being isolated and lets them soak in the sunlight. As many of their day-to-day lives may be slow-moving, this also gets their bodies to work.    

Education

Our community garden partners Turner Farm and Tikkun Farm teach clients about sustainable growing practices and composting. This education enhances their practices, alleviating harmful impacts or past practices. It also unites everyone in the garden together as they work toward the same goals.

Volunteer in Gardening!

Find our new neighbors working in these local gardens:

Franciscan Community Garden, Hartwell
100 Compton Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45215

Tikkun Farms Garden, Mount Healthy
7945 Elizabeth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45213

Opportunities:

  • Participate in weekend garden work days

  • Promote English conversation in the garden

  • Assist with seed distribution in Spring and Fall

If you would like to volunteer, sign up here!

Can’t volunteer? You can still help by donating! Donate here!

Check out our other programs!