The History of Community Gardens
1890
Around 1890 in Detroit the first community garden appeared This Community gardens served a purpose by providing work experience and skills to the unemployed. The garden also became a social and educational place of significance. These gardens also taught the youth good work ethic.
1918
During World War ll, community gardens were endorsed to the American public to increase the domestic food supply. This matter was important to the government because they even created a program for public schools to teach students about agricultural education and food production. THis program was called the United States School Garden Army and had several million children enlisted in it.
1930
During the Great Depression, unemployed Americans grew their food in community gardens. Over 23 million households depended on community gardens for survival and the growing produce valued at $36 million.
1940
During World War ll the victory campaign encouraged people to grow their own food, but after the war ended there were only a few gardens left. These few gardens are what motived community gardens in the 1970's.
1970
City organizations helped people get land,construct a community garden and develop educational programs. Communities facing urban challenges would use community gardens as a way to rebuild their relationship and increase environmentally friendly areas.