Who We Are
H.O.P.E. Gardens exists to Help Other People Eat
H.O.P.E. Gardens exists to Help Other People Eat by empowering children, families, and communities to grow their own food.
We believe that a child equipped with knowledge and a seed can transform a community.
H.O.P.E. Gardens uses regenerative gardening, an affordable, low-maintenance, organic method, to live out our vision.
Our programs teach people of all ages how to grow, share, prepare, and find joy in eating fresh produce harvested together.
The name H.O.P.E. Gardens is based on an idea that came to Rich when he was a homeless and hungry teenager: that the word hope could mean “Helping Other People Eat."
How We Work
We are experiential, environmental, educational ... and fun! As we teach and empower students and families, we embrace our guiding principles.
Community
Partnering with schools, families, and communities, our work supports community-led solutions to help people learn how to grow food.
Diversity
We partner with a diverse team of teachers, administrators, community volunteers, undergraduate students, master gardeners, and other nonprofit agencies.
Inclusivity
Our approach is not one-size-fits-all. We strive to include students, families, and communities in planting gardens and growing and sharing food.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE GARDENING?
Regenerative gardening recreates the conditions in which plants naturally thrive. It’s inexpensive and easy to start because it doesn’t rely on chemicals, tilling, or any special equipment.
Unlike a traditional garden, a regenerative garden is covered with mulch, which retains water and nutrients for the plants, minimizes weeds, and enriches the soil for future planting.