Growing Up: NWI Community Gardens

Community and home gardens are nothing new. Before grocers and easier access to a food supply, people worked together for sustainable community food sources. In the modern day, community and home gardening practices have turned more into a hobby or community building project. With questionable food industry practices and an awareness of the economy of food transportation, we are seeing a resurgence of community gardens. In Ohio, cities are buying up abandoned and foreclosed properties and turning them into community gardens. The national Feeding America is encouraging local food banks to support and manage community gardens. Even the Office of the President is promoting their community garden on the National Mall.

Indiana is a farming state. Indiana has fertile land for both plant and animals. According to Indiana Farm Direct, "Indiana produces more duck than any other state." The land can support raising of animals in optimal conditions. The jet black soil can grow tomatoes, root vegetables, fruit trees, and more.

Grow NWI is an organization in Northwest Indiana promoting the benefits of community gardens and fostering their growth. It is made up of community members throughout the region that have a common goal, "to build community by increasing and enhancing community gardening and greening across Northwest Indiana." (Grow NWI). I had the chance to attend their first Annual Farm-to-Table dinner at County Line Orchard.


The set up was great. It was in the large "barn" that serves as County Line Orchard's main store. With all of the products and displays in storage, this facility could seat up to 1,200 people. It was sectioned off to accommodate the over 265 guests. The band was playing on the loft above. It was loud enough for entertainment, but not too loud to enjoy myself. They had a slideshow running with pictures of the gardens and volunteers. They had a small display with facts and general information about Grow NWI. The tables were set up nicely with centerpieces of apples, mini-pumpkins, and sunflower seeds.


A drink was included with the price of the ticket. I got on the line and tried to peek to see what they had. It would have been nice if there were a list visible from the line. When I got close enough, I saw the list...it was great! They had three local beers and local wine. Not really being a fan of wine from this region, and not wanting to pass it up, I ordered a "Hop for Teacher" from the new Fountain Square Brewery in Indy. I later tried the County Line pumpkin ale (too sweet for my tastes) and Figure 8's First Ascent Belgian Honey Lager.

After we grabbed our first drink, we looked for a seat. The tables filled up fast. We found two empty spots, put our coats down, and made our way to the apple samples and cheese trays we had just passed. 25 different apples to try. Seriously. I had my choice of Arkansas Black, Fuji, Rome, Granny Smith, Ambrosia, Jonathon, Suncrisp, Jonagold, and seventeen others. The cheese was unmarked, but tasty. Soft, firm, yummy. They switched it out too, so I tried a second round.

The staff was coming around with hors d'oeuvres of Seven Sons meatballs, Gunthrop duck pizza, and goat cheese, honeycomb, and walnut canapé. I was disappointed that I didn't get to try the canapé. The other two were really good. The sauce on the duck pizza was a little sweet for my liking, but it was still notable.

As we were settling down to start our meals, three presenters spoke. They provided interesting information about the project and the growth in their first year. In their first year, they supported three gardens. One of these gardens grew a "couple of hundred pounds" of food that they provided to the local food bank. They involved the parish students in the maintenance of the gardens and harvesting of the produce, planting the seeds of community involvement in the students' minds.

One speaker, Beth, outlined the goals of Grow NWI in the first year. These goals included eating more local food, making food accessible to the community, generating money for the community, bringing community awareness, and developing a community garden system.

The food started coming out. It was a family-style set up, which definitely worked for me. From hors d'oeuvres to dessert, all of the courses were prepared with local meats, vegetables, and fruits. Most from farms I know (and get my meat from). The chefs and baker were from local restaurants/shops.

After the meal, we grabbed some apples they were giving out, and headed home. I was full, I was satisfied, and I enjoyed supporting Grow NWI.

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