Adding Community Value to Gardens Beth Hanna Hava Blair Nick Heckman

Welcome Introductions Group Goals

Tallgrass Prairie Organic CSA Farm Community Gardens Kids’ Garden Sugar Maple Woodland Troy Gardens

Trainings Evaluation Resources

“It’s interesting, salsa has everything in it that I didn’t like, but I like it. I mean, it has onion, tomatoes, peppers…but it tastes good!”

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9 Yes, I would like to continue to garden. I would grow chives, my favorite, carrots, peas, raspberries, strawberries, sunflowers; I think I might get chickens too. Not blueberries, I only like those with ice cream. -Marisol Llanos-Gomez, age 9

Riverview Gardens is a financially self-sustaining social enterprise, primarily focused on job-training for people in need, utilizing urban farming in a park setting.

 Providing purposeful, dignity-building activity  Making healthy food accessible  Working with schools to help at-risk youth develop productive work ethics  Change our community’s perceptions of people in need  Providing transitional employment as people prepare for permanent employment Secondary Focal Points

Our community is faced with growing challenges:  The number of people receiving food share benefits has more than doubled in the last 5 years (LIFE)  The number of nonprofits has doubled since 2006 while available funding has remained stable (LIFE)  Unemployment was the most common primary reason for homelessness in (LIFE)  The number of homeless individuals has risen by 48% since 2005 (LIFE) Why Riverview Gardens?  Access to fresh local food is limited for low income people (RUDD Report) Riverview Gardens addresses all of these needs

Developing Our Space COMMUNITY CENTER  Stone Cellar at Riverview Gardens  Community Events  Cooking Classes  Bread Share  Educational Workshops URBAN FARM Production areas…  Hoop Houses  Outdoor Gardens  Food Forest (fruit/nut trees)  Aquaponics Supplying produce for…  Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)  Restaurants  Institutions  Farm Markets NATURAL PARK SPACE  Native Prairie  Picnic Areas  Trails o Running/Walking o Mountain Biking o X-Country Skiing o Snowshoeing Open to the community for daytime use.

An Aerial View

ServiceWorks ServiceWorks provides men and women in need or experiencing homelessness with transferable work skills. The program is designed to foster growth as a coworker, leader and community member through dedication to improvement in the following areas: Quality of Work Efficient Use of Time Relationships with Peers Relationships with Leaders

ServiceWorks Progress (Year to Date) # of Participants

Progress Update (18 Months)

Farmers bring an abundance of produce to farmers’ markets every summer Unsold produce can go to waste Connect local farmers with local food pantries by facilitating donations of fresh produce at the end of the farmer’s market Volunteers collect, box, and deliver produce to food pantry Shared Harvest

Individuals in need volunteer their time in return for a community supported agriculture (CSA) share. Requires the farmer to train and manage schedules With good training, WorkShare members contribute significantly to farm operations WorkShare

Cooking Classes Demonstrate how to use fresh, whole produce to create delicious meals Outline process of meal planning and budgeting Opportunities to collaborate: UW Extension, local culinary & nutrition program students, local chefs

Neighborhood Market Initiative Market stand on trailer can travel to any neighborhood Identify neighborhoods will low access to fresh produce Park in any legal parking space No license required for selling fresh fruits and vegetables Identify leaders in each neighborhood to promote program Collaborate with local groups to make weekly markets a neighborhood event

Hunger Task Force Has a Farm

Milwaukee County Park System property Operated by Hunger Task Force under a 30– year lease with Milwaukee County Hunger Task Force Farm & Fish Hatchery

Our Farm Feeds the Hungry Free of Charge!

Farm fresh produce is delivered free of charge to 81 pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters in Milwaukee County. Our Farm Feeds the Hungry

 25+ varieties of vegetables  Provides reliable source of fresh produce, including culturally appropriate food items  1 million lbs 2013 Farm Facts

4 Orchards Farm Facts

Farm Includes a Greenhouse

Fish Hatchery The farm also includes a fish hatchery that is used to raise trout, sunfish, perch and bass...

for transplant into Milwaukee County Park ponds for recreational fishing. Fish Hatchery Facts

It provides a reliable source of high quality produce to feed hungry people in Milwaukee County. Why does Hunger Task Force Operate the Farm?

…opportunities for youth and adult education. Other Benefits of the Farm Include...

Nutrition Education

…opportunities for youth and adult education. Other Benefits of the Farm Include...

The fish hatchery supports a recreational urban fishing experience. Hunger Task Force Farm & Fish Hatchery

Conserves one of the last significant open areas in Milwaukee County, including a rare example of an Oak Savanna. Hunger Task Force Farm & Fish Hatchery

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Discussion Groups