The Independence Community Garden (in Independence, California) is a grass-roots community effort to make fresh "almost-organic" food (no biocides) more easily accessible to community members, since our town does not have a grocery store. The garden is located on the Owens Valley School's property, and they have graciously provided water and land for this endeavor, and they have their own plot reserved for projects with the students. There are also a number of individual community members who have personal plots for their own personal use. A large part of the garden is "community" land, where you may "trade sweat for food." The Memorial United Methodist Church manages the administration of the garden, and also has a large plot, called "The Bunny Patch," which is dedicated providing fresh produce to persons in the community with limited access to it. The mission of "The Bunny Patch" is "to fill hungry stomachs and thirsty souls with the good fruit of God's love." We do this not only with fresh produce, but by fighting poverty, social isolation, and poor nutrition, and seeking to empower our community for self-sufficiency. Other benefits include deepening friendships between community members, building a relationship between the people and the land, and facilitating opportunities to use, learn, and teach sustainable gardening methods. All are welcome to help maintain the community areas of the garden and enjoy the fruits of our common labor. While produce from the garden will not be sold (as part of our agreement with the school), donations are welcome for the maintenance and expansion of the Community Garden.
