Gabe Stark
Reporter

Grow For Grundy, a new nonprofit expanding on the work of the community garden, is working to increase access to healthy food while strengthening the local food system.

Grow For Grundy aims to support residents in growing and preparing healthy food while also strengthening the market for local farmers and producers. The nonprofit has been hosting monthly social and educational events to build relationships among people interested in gardening, homesteading, farming, healthy food and land stewardship.

“The world feels uncertain and divisive in many ways right now, but the value of food and community is something we all hold in common,” organizer Ashley Busick said. “Our hope is that by bringing people together we can draw on each other’s wisdom and inspiration to support a vision of healthy food for all.”

One recent event, Pack Your Own Picnic for Earth Day, brought together art, creativity and nature. More than 30 people attended the event, making nature-inspired mandalas and enjoying music from Vanessa and Sarah Pauley, Kim Suttenfield and Amy Guthrie.

“Celebration of nature’s beauty and incredible ecosystems has always been central to the concept of the garden, so it was wonderful to have the community join us in that for Earth Day as spring brings it all back to life and vibrant,” Busick said.

As the community garden season begins, Grow For Grundy is focusing on building access to and education around the food growing in the garden. The organization also is launching an online Local Producer Hub to connect consumers with local growers and producers.

The hub is intended to build awareness of who is growing and making local products, as well as how community members can purchase those products. The effort may also include local farm and garden tours in the future.

Community members can follow Grow For Grundy on Facebook, Instagram, at growforgrundy.org or through the organization’s monthly newsletter for updates on upcoming events and ways to get involved.