CLEARWATER, FLA. – Getting outside and gardening is known for its physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, and participating in community gardens can multiply these benefits. The city of Clearwater has created a Community Garden Grant Program in efforts to support existing community gardens and to encourage new ones to develop. Non-profit and neighborhood groups are encouraged to apply for the upcoming fiscal year at myclearwater.com/communitygardens.
The city of Clearwater’s sustainability and resiliency plan, called Clearwater Greenprint, prioritizes local food and urban gardening. From a sustainability perspective, community gardens increase the community’s access to fresh and local produce, improving Clearwater’s carbon footprint by decreasing the travel distance food takes from farm to table. This close proximity also helps to encourage a more resilient food system.
Community gardens also are important because they go even further to encourage social benefits. They encourage neighbors to get to know one another and support a sense of place and pride within the community.
For more information about Clearwater’s sustainability initiatives, the Clearwater Greenprint sustainability plan, or community gardening, visit myclearwater.com/sustainability or myclearwater.com/communitygardens.
