Food Desert Oases
Hartford Public Library, Conn.
Innovation Synopsis
Hartford Public Library, with Knox Parks Foundation, has been helping grow self-sufficiency from the dirt up. Community Garden Bed checkouts at our local libraries in neighborhoods deemed as "food deserts" have fostered opportunities for family engagement in healthy sustainable practices that strengthen communities and promote health priorities.
Challenge/Opportunity
Healthy, affordable foods are less available in low-income neighborhoods. Hartford is considered a "food desert" due to its lack of healthy, affordable food. Residents living in these areas typically experience limited access to sufficient, safe and nutritious foods, negatively affecting their health and resulting in a condition that has been termed "food insecurity." Farmers markets and community gardens provide options for affordable, locally grown produce and healthy foods.
Key Elements of Innovation
Hartford Public Library, in partnership with Knox Parks Foundation, connects people to community gardens, allowing individuals and families to check out garden plots to grow their own food. Residents register for Gardening 101, Composting and Big Read Programs related to gardening, and are given PowerPoint handouts and books related to gardening as well. Other resources include seeds, gardening tools and access to water. HPL staff and Knox's garden coordinator provide hands-on assistance to the gardeners.
Achieved Outcomes
Since 2007, Hartford Public Library has connected over 350 individuals and families to health and wellness literacy through three community garden locations in Hartford: 1. Frog Hollow - HPL's Park Branch started their gardening initiative in 2007 to celebrate Earth Day. 2. Clay Arsenal - HPL's Ropkins Branch started with garden classes in 2016 with 20 customers. 3. Northeast - HPL's Barbour Branch encouraged youth to plant seeds in pods after reading The Greening Book.
