Introduction

In many parts of Detroit, fresh, affordable produce is a luxury, not a staple. These areas, often referred to as "food deserts," are characterized by a lack of grocery stores and a heavy reliance on convenience stores, which offer little in the way of healthy options. This reality contributes to a higher incidence of diet-related illnesses and exacerbates health disparities within the city. The Green Sprout Collective is on a mission to change this by transforming underutilized urban spaces into thriving community gardens. Our project is a grassroots effort to put the power of food back into the hands of the people, creating vibrant hubs of health, education, and community engagement. We believe that access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right, and our gardens are a tangible expression of that belief. By working together, we can cultivate not just vegetables, but a healthier, more resilient community for all of Detroit.

Our vision for these community gardens goes far beyond simply growing food. Each garden will serve as a living classroom, offering workshops on topics like sustainable gardening techniques, meal preparation, and nutritional literacy. These educational programs are designed to empower residents with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices about their diets and to share that knowledge with their families and neighbors. We will also partner with local schools to create youth-focused programs, inspiring the next generation to connect with the source of their food and to become stewards of the environment. Our goal is to create a ripple effect, where each garden becomes a catalyst for positive change that extends throughout the entire community.

The funds we raise will be used to secure land, purchase essential gardening supplies—such as soil, seeds, and tools—and build infrastructure like raised beds and irrigation systems. A portion of the funds will also be dedicated to hiring local coordinators who will manage each garden and lead our educational workshops. We are committed to using sustainable and organic practices to ensure our gardens are not only productive but also environmentally friendly. By investing in this project, you are helping to build a more equitable food system and a more connected community in Detroit. We have a detailed plan for site selection, development, and community outreach to ensure our gardens are strategically placed to serve the neighborhoods most in need.

This is a collaborative effort that requires the support of our entire community. We have already received tremendous interest from residents, local businesses, and volunteers eager to get their hands dirty. Your support is the final piece of the puzzle, providing us with the resources needed to turn this dream into a reality. By joining our campaign, you are becoming a part of a movement that is actively fighting for food justice and building a stronger, healthier future for Detroit. Together, we can transform vacant lots into verdant spaces of life and learning. Join us and help us grow a better tomorrow, one garden at a time.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower urban communities to take control of their food systems by establishing a network of sustainable community gardens. We aim to increase access to fresh, healthy produce, provide practical education on nutrition and gardening, and foster a sense of community ownership and collaboration. We believe that by creating these green spaces, we can combat food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles, while simultaneously revitalizing neighborhoods and strengthening local bonds. Our work is driven by the principle that everyone deserves access to nourishing food, regardless of their zip code, and we are dedicated to making that vision a reality.

Key Features

Our project features a multi-faceted approach to community development, with each garden serving as a hub for various activities. We will implement raised garden beds to ensure accessibility for all residents, including those with physical limitations. A portion of the harvest will be donated to local food banks, ensuring the most vulnerable members of our community also benefit from our efforts. We will also introduce composting programs to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil, promoting a circular and sustainable system. Additionally, each garden will have a designated community space for workshops, gatherings, and events, making them a central point for social interaction and learning.

What Makes Our Project Unique

What sets our project apart is our holistic, community-led model that goes beyond just providing food. We prioritize education and empowerment, ensuring residents not only have access to fresh produce but also the knowledge to grow their own. Our project is deeply integrated into the local community, with residents playing a key role in the planning and execution of each garden. We use a modular, scalable design that allows us to adapt to different urban spaces, from small lots to larger parks. Our focus on sustainability, from organic practices to composting, ensures our gardens have a positive environmental impact. We believe this combination of elements creates a more resilient, impactful, and lasting change than a traditional charity model.

• Empowering communities through hands-on education and skill-building workshops.
• Using a collaborative, community-led approach to project planning and execution.
• Adopting sustainable, organic practices to ensure environmental health.
• Building a network of green spaces that serve as hubs for social and cultural exchange.

Exclusive Rewards for Backers

• $10 – A digital thank you and a "Community Gardener" digital badge.
• $20 – A packet of organic, heirloom seeds from a local farm.
• $30 – A limited edition tote bag with our campaign logo and a recipe book featuring garden produce.
• $50 – A guided tour of one of our completed community gardens and a meet-and-greet with the project team.
• $100 – The opportunity to name a raised garden bed in one of our new locations.
• $250 – An invitation to our exclusive annual harvest festival and a personal gardening consultation with our team.

Meet our team

Our team is a diverse group of passionate individuals, including urban planners, master gardeners, community organizers, and local residents. We bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of our city. Our lead urban planner, Sarah Jenkins, has over a decade of experience transforming neglected urban spaces into public assets, while our master gardener, Michael Chen, has dedicated his life to teaching sustainable agriculture. We are also guided by a community advisory board, composed of residents from the neighborhoods we serve, ensuring our efforts are always aligned with the needs of the people we are helping. Our collective expertise and local knowledge are our greatest assets.

Join Us

Your support is crucial to the success of this project. By joining us, you are becoming a part of a movement that is actively cultivating health, sustainability, and community resilience in Detroit. Your contribution will directly fund the creation of beautiful and productive green spaces that will benefit residents for years to come. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey, to help us turn barren land into a source of life and nourishment. Together, we can plant the seeds for a healthier, more vibrant Detroit. Thank you for considering our mission and for your commitment to a better future.