J.R.H.  47

Joint resolution supporting the establishment and expansion of community, neighborhood, and youth gardens 

Offered by:  Representatives Larson of Burlington, Cross of Winooski, Donovan of Burlington, Dostis of Waterbury, Hingtgen of Burlington, Keogh of Burlington, Kiss of Burlington, Tracy of Burlington and Zuckerman of Burlington

Whereas, community gardens enable individuals to improve their nutritional practices and gain control over the quality, variety, and cost of their food supply, and

Whereas, community gardening encourages Vermonters of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to work together, foster a better sense of community, and improve the quality of their lives, and

Whereas, community gardens and other green spaces provide a more livable environment in Vermont’s municipalities and present a positive local image to a community’s residents and visitors, and

Whereas, community-based youth and school gardening programs encourage personal self-esteem and a healthy attitude toward learning, and 

Whereas, community gardens provide an important and nutritious source of fresh produce donations for local food pantries and social service agencies, and

Whereas, community gardening and greening projects cultivate volunteers and community leaders who preserve open spaces and establish new gardens for both present and future generations, and

Whereas, in 1972, Tommy Thompson founded Gardens for All, the organization responsible for the development of community gardens in Vermont, and

Whereas, that organization, now known as the National Gardening Association, along with municipal park and recreation departments, the UVM Master Gardeners, 4-H, Ag in the Classroom, Friends of Burlington Gardens, Food Works, and the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger are all promoting the continuation and growth of community gardens, and

Whereas, the city of Burlington serves as a national model for developing sustainable community gardens, now therefore be it

 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:

That the General Assembly supports cooperative efforts among state, local, and nonprofit agencies to promote the development and expansion of community gardens and to increase their accessibility to disadvantaged population groups, and be it further

Resolved:  That the General Assembly supports the efforts of nonprofit organizations, including Friends of Burlington Gardens, the National Gardening Association, Food Works, and the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, to secure grant funding for the furtherance of community gardening, and be it further

Resolved:  That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to each of the nonprofit organizations listed in this resolution, to the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association, and to Maggie Leugers, the city of Burlington’s superintendent of recreation.

____________________________              Attested to:

Walter E. Freed

Speaker of the House

 

____________________________              ____________________________

Brian E. Dubie                                             Donald G. Milne

President of the Senate                               Clerk, House of Representatives