Published October 10, 2024
This past Sunday, the Woolson St Community Garden celebrated 10 years!
For the last decade, the community garden has been a popular location on the street for families and friends to gather. Before COVID-19, residents would flock out of their homes for the popular annual harvest festivals that marked the coming of winter. In the summer and spring, small plots are used by residents to grow their own fresh food for traditional family dishes. The community garden has grown to represent a taste of home and maintain a sense of community during hard times such as COVID.
Residents along the block are proudly involved. It's their support and passion that allows the garden to provide residents with the space to harvest food. Garden coordinator Sam Pierce and Woolson St resident and MFFC board member Robyn Gibson are strong examples of community leadership in this project. Sam's personal connection to neighbors and diligence keeps the passion for the garden alive and Robyn's deep work around Mattapan spreads awareness of the positive and necessary benefits of local gardens.
With just one grocery store serving all of Mattapan, having spaces where residents can grow their own food is essential. For many Woolson St residents, especially those from Haiti or the Caribbean, access to culturally specific ingredients at local stores is limited. By growing their own produce in the community garden, they can maintain a connection to their heritage and prepare traditional meals that might otherwise be difficult to make.
The October 6th 10-Year Anniversary also served as the first harvest festival since COVID! As a time to celebrate the positive values of the neighborhood, the event brought together local businesses as sponsors, tables, and vendors.
We would like to thank our sponsors: Comfort Kitchen, Chez Vous, and Fresh Food Generation.
We would like to thank all the individuals and organizations that made the celebration possible: DJ High Frequency, Carmen Face Painting, Milly & Me Apothecary, Duli Massaging, BEJMA, the Boston Public Health Coalition, the Trustees, Shalea Niles, Azan Reid + Sharla Lewis + Erica Vazquez, Brian Browne, Blackboi, and Mass Spiritz!
We're so grateful for the opportunity to support the Woolson St. Community Garden and the residents of Woolson Street. We're not stopping with this festival -- we intend to bring back the annual harvest festivals!
Keep an eye out!
If you would like a plot at the Woolson St Community Garden, please contact robyngibs@gmail.com
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