We envision a world where people in underserved communities all have strong minds and healthy bodies.
Building capacity to strengthen the health of our community- from the ground up!
Through 2026, we plan to work alongside neighborhood residents and other community partners to build our capacity and greatly expand our garden footprint. This growth means we'll be able to move our important work forward where it's needed most while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and community engagement.
Investment
Volunteerism
Community
EmpowermenT
Our successful Growing Community 2026 project means that will be able to address urgent and ongoing community health and wellness needs through:
During the early stages of our Growing Community 2026 project, we have engaged with our community through canvassing and table events. Through these conversations, community members shared key concerns that access to healthy food is hard and processed food options dominate the area, transportation and money are barriers to healthy food and fitness class resources, and there is a need for more access to health and nutrition resources for kids and seniors. With our community members’ voices at the forefront of our planning and implementation, we are working to ensure that the results of this project improve their quality of life and empower them to live healthier lives.
Our Community First
Garden Expansion
With your support, we are moving our work forward in a big way - building our capacity and expanding our garden on St. Louis Ave. to improve the health of even more community members!
Project Scope
Phase 1:
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Substantially expand our garden into the east and west adjacent lots, greatly increasing our food production and on-site wellness programming
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Create dedicated outdoor learning spaces including nature play areas and an outdoor classroom for wellness and nutrition education
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Install a walking trail throughout the expansion as well as make improvements to the street and sidewalk for additional exercise space
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Build a multipurpose building with anticipated use across our programming as well as a meeting space for our organization and community partners
Phase 2:
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Expand our footprint across St. Louis Avenue including the installation of a safe crosswalk
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Establish an open-air market for and picnic grove for collaborative community use and enjoyment
Phase 3:
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Expand further east and build out the Fit and Food Connection Distribution Center with applications across our programming and a focus on serving the immediate community
Help Us Grow
Our arms are wide open to the time, talents, and resources shared by our dedicated supporters in our community. Let us know if you'd like to....
- Volunteer!
- Spread the word and connect us to others!
- Make a seed fund gift to get this project rooted in support!
- Make a multi-year pledge to allow us to plan long term!
- Contribute your skills/talents in design, landscaping, real estate, etc!
Join the Project
We'd love to hear more about how you'd like to engage with us on this exciting journey to build capacity and expand our garden on St. Louis Avenue.
Please complete the following brief application form and we'll be in touch shortly!
Make a Gift Today!
This growth means we'll be able to move our important work forward where it's needed most while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and community engagement.
You are helping to build a healthier St. Louis & we can't thank you enough for your support!
