Community Garden: How a HerStory Club in Maryland is Addressing Food Insecurity

According to Feeding America, 41 million people in the United States face hunger every day. In communities like Windsor Valley, Maryland, many families are single-parent households that struggle to put enough food on the table. Global G.L.O.W. HerStory participants from Springboard to Opportunities recognized the need for change and decided to take action. They designed a Community Action Plan, “Garden Goods,” that addressed food scarcity through a community garden. The girls believed that in order for the community to succeed, every resident should have the opportunity to be healthy.  The garden they created not only tackled hunger but also brought people together in a shared activity that improves their well-being. 

In October 2018, the girls traveled to New York to develop their Community Action Plan at the Global HerStory Summit. With support from mentors and G.L.O.W. leadership, the girls returned with a sustainable plan. 

Since implementing their Community Action Plan, the girls have cultivated both their gardening and mentorship skills. High school-aged girls mentored and collaborated with young elementary school-aged girls to plant and harvest. Together they planted lettuce, squash, cabbage, peppers, and several other plants. The girls also inspired local residents to partner with them in the care of the garden.  

So far, the project has benefited all the residents in Windsor Valley. Everyone now has access to the garden, and a lot of them have had the opportunity to participate in the planting and become a part of a larger community effort. The girls have learned vital leadership skills and realized that they have the ability to find solutions for any of their community’s problems. 

The girls are hopeful that the garden will continue to feed their community and grow unity among the residents.

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