During World War I and WWII, many families and companies across America (The United Kingdom & Canada) contributed to morale and the war effort by planting gardens of vegetables, herbs, and fruit. Although gardens were planted at home plots, many times gardens were also found on a business land or public park
s and public lands.
Especially in Europe, where much of the fighting was done during both wars, production of foods became harder. Manpower was limited with many off fighting the wars or involved in wartime materials production. Areas that had once been farmed were no longer safe and available for growing and harvesting. Rationing of food and other items became a way of life during both of these conflicts, both overseas and here at home in the U.S.
By the end of 1944, almost 20 million Americans were taking part in the national "Victory Garden" campaign and almost 40% of all the vegetables consumed in our country were being raised through this gardening effort. Even the White House had a garden on its grounds ... something revived on the White House grounds the last two years by First Lady Michelle Obama.
Now there is another national effort for "Victory Gardens" sprouting up and it has found its way to Naperville, IL. This last Monday, a 400 square foot garden was measured out, cultivated, and planted near the Kraft plant off Jefferson and Ogden Avenues in Naperville. The garden, started by the non-profit organization "Urban Farming", will produce an estimated 500 pounds of fresh, homegrown food items. The majority of
what is grown will help local families in need of assistance.
Local volunteers and employees of the Kraft plant are helping out by overseeing the planting, watering, care, and harvesting of the garden. They will be allowed to bring some of the garden's produce home as a thank you for helping, but the majority will find its way to the Naperville Loaves and Fishes Community Food Pantry.
From there it will help feed approximately 3,500 households locally.
Naperville has a history of growing gardens in this manner. Its Park District has had community gardens for years. The "Urban Farming" garden planted in Naperville on Monday, is the 33rd such garden started in a nationwide partnership with Triscuit, which is manufactured at the Naperville Kraft Plant site. It is just one of the more than 1,000 gardens to be started by "Urban Farming" in the U.S. and overseas this year.
The timing for this garden is perfect. There is a real revival and renewed interest in gardening within our country. It's also been proven that locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables are much more healthy to eat and help to fight obesity. Obviously good for our kids!
Naperville can be proud that it is progressive in its health approach and is helping to lead the way towards healthier residents ... all while helping those in need.
Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President
Personal NMLS #216987
The Federal Savings Bank
1823 Centre Point Circle, Naperville, IL 60563
Skype! 630-219-1316
Gene; Good Luck with your "Victory Gardens".
The revival of "Victory Gardens" just make sense in this economy. A great way to help feed those in need plus a great thing to do at your own home to help defray food costs. Plus the pure pleasure and satisfaction of growing your own, not to mention your own is generally much more tasty than store bought. A great idea to get the kids involved in as well.
Sue of Robin and Sue
Halina: Thank you. I hope they have a great growing season and are very successful! Appreciate your writing ...
Sue: Totally agree all around. My wife was raised on a farm .. and I in a rural community. We know very well how good the fresh crops taste. Teaches the kids responsibility too ... so a "win-win". Thanks for writing me ...
Gene
Gene - We got a few of those gardens out here in Ventura county too. Like yours, they too donate all the food to the local food banks. It's a great effort.
I remember volunteering once to help out a friend of mine who volunteers at the food back pretty regularly. On that particular day, a bunch of the trucks from some of the local farms (Ventura county is an agricultural area) came in and dropped off fresh fruits and veggies. It was truly a wonderful experience.
Donne: Somehow the fact that you stopped and rolled up your sleeve to help doesn't surprise me. I really hope this catches on everywhere. Of course, it will mean the re-writing of a few subdivision restrictions ... but well worth it!
Gene
I am all about the revival of Victory Gardens and urban farming. We do a fair bit of urban homesteading here on our 60x120' city lot. :) It is wonderful to be able to support a good portion of our family's needs or to be able to donate fresh foods to others. I also think it is very interesting to see what children will eat when they help to grow or harvest it themselves.
Brenda: Thank you for writing! It's good to hear that others around the country are taking part in this beneficial program ... or just gardening on their own. I would not expect anything less from a good midwestern girl from Monroe, WI. My mother-in-law grew up in Brodhead, WI and my wife still has family there and all over the southern portion of the state. It makes for a mixed marriage on football Sundays ... as she roots for the Packers and I for the Bears. Love overcomes!
Gene
wow what a great idea, much success.
Terri: Thanks for the input! Sometimes the old ways are the best ways ...
Gene
Gene.....The Naperville "Victory Garden" is truly a win/win - providing healthy food and assisting those in needl! Kudos to all who make this happen.
Carra: We agree on this one .. it's a great idea. I'm glad I can pass the info on. I do so with the hopes that personal and smaller gardens will be the result at many homes. I also wanted to applaud those that are getting this garden planted and working so hard in Naperville. Thanks!
Gene
Gene: I learned something new today - I didn't know about the garden but I think it's a great idea to help those in need of assistance in a healthy way.
Maria: Glad you found the article! Another example of Naperville leading the way!! Have a great holiday weekend Maria ...
Gene