Community Food Security - read the Hunger Commission's food access study and download free food access study materials including curriculum for nutrition education workshops.

Kennedy Estates Edible Landscaping Pilot Project

Through a collaborative effort by Sacramento Area Community Garden Coalition founder Bill Maynard, Mercy Housing, the California Nutrition Network, and the Sacramento Hunger Commission, an edible landscaping project was designed for implementation at Kennedy Estates apartments in South Sacramento. Kennedy Estates is a low-income housing complex (avg. family income $18,000/yr). Numerous languages, cultures, and tastes are represented in the 100 units at Kennedy Estates.

The Kennedy Estates Edible Landscaping Project seeks to make nutritious and sustainable food resources available for the approximately 350 residents by planting food-producing trees, vines, and plants in place of traditional landscaping. In March, 2004, we began by planting more than 60 fruit trees throughout the complex, thanks to the help of volunteers, residents, and compassionate donors. During subsequent planting days we have distributed hundreds of herb and vegetable plant starts. We have added a number of grapevines, blueberry bushes, and even some less common foods such as lemon grass, jujubes, and loquats.

The Hunger Commission is currently developing the edible landscaping project further via nutrition education with youth enrolled in the on-site after school program and Headstart preschool program. In 2005/06 we hope to see further edible landscaping infrastructure development, as well as greater community involvement through edible landscaping events and educational opportunities. By 2007, we anticipate that Kennedy Estates residents will have complete responsibility for the Kennedy Estates Edible Landscaping Project. For more information about this project, feel free to contact Sacramento Hunger Commission staff.

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