News release from State Senator Marilyn Moore:
After their community farm building was burned to the ground in March, Green Village Initiative (GVI) is now in the process of redesigning the space. State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) visited the community farm to present a citation to GVI and staff member Dominick Tacovilla, as well as to learn how the organization is educating the Bridgeport community about the importance of healthy eating.
The Farm has over 100 raised garden beds, with a USDA funded-high tunnel, which stores plants. It was built by volunteers from the community and is staffed by a team of over 40 local high school and college interns under the direction of a professional farmer. All food grown on the farm is served in Bridgeport Public Schools and sold to the local neighborhood at subsidized prices.
“Many areas of Bridgeport are considered food deserts,” said Sen. Moore. “The fact that this community farm was burned to the ground just last month and is still going strong demonstrates the community’s desire to eat healthy and their commitment to being a part of the effort. GVI staff members are dedicated to growing healthy local food and keeping the community involved in the process.”
“Our hearts are filled to see the community outpouring of support and determination to rebuild the community building at Reservoir Farm together,” said Monique Bosch, co-founder of GVI. “Our wonderful neighbors and city partners have been amazing since we broke ground at the farm. We are deeply grateful for the incredible support from all of our neighbors and partners, and for the tremendous interest in our work that local leaders, like Senator Moore, continue to demonstrate.”
Dominick Tacovilla, a GVI community farmer and Bridgeport native, received a citation from Sen. Moore for being a knowledgeable and dedicated asset to the community farm. With his 40 years of gardening experience, Dominick believes that GVI serves a noble purpose as a bridge to the surrounding community and he is glad to be a part of it. “It’s like home to me,” he said.
Good job!
Steve,
Perhaps these gardens will have surpluses from time to time to supply food to restaurants in the area. Perhaps you can report on sustainability. As well as diverse menus with locally produced goods that do not require transportation over long distances. Now that is something that can grow on you, if you think about it. If the gardens require any type of items to scare predators, may I suggest installing your favorite bobblehead dolls? Time will tell.
Anything that has to do with gardening I support, especially community gardens and Bob Halstead’s efforts. I myself spend seven months enjoying my vegetable garden and flowers. One of my many favorite pastimes.