V is for Victory!
During World War II Eleanor Roosevelt encouraged American households to plant their own “Victory Gardens” to supply their own produce. Remember this was a time when ration books were the staple and supplies were scarce. By the end of the war, more than 20 million home gardens were supplying 40 percent of the produce consumed in America.
Previously many people’s only familiarity with backyard gardens came from PBS television show Victory Garden which has highlighted this tradition for decades.
Now when the country is in the midst of an economic crisis and food prices are soaring the “Victory Garden” movement is growing again, this time in the war against financial ruin. There is a a great upcoming seminar in Minneapolis about how to join in the movement and how you can get local government to help support community gardening efforts.
Victory Gardens: Join the Garden Revolution
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Join Rose Hayden-Smith, IATP Food and Society Fellow, national Victory Garden expert from University of California for an in-depth workshop about Victory Gardens and what history can show us in how government can better support community gardening. Rose will review historical case studies and current national policies, and work with participants to articulate public policies for today. The workshop is sponsored by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and Gardening Matters.
Where:
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
2104 Stevens Avenue South, Minneapolis
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
2104 Stevens Avenue South, Minneapolis
Registration: $10; Scholarships available upon request.Please RSVP by June 18 to Anne Walters at awalters@iatp.org or 612-870-3408.
Breakfast refreshments will be provided.
Great post. I started my veggie gardens years ago when the economy was good simply because we liked having fresh veggies at will and it gave me a fun summer hobby, but it definantly saves us money; especially on things like tomatos and cucumbers.
[...] I have a chance to learn more: Victory Gardens: Join the Garden Revolution Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 9:00 – 11:00 [...]