Together, we’re cultivating a brighter, healthier future.

In 2020, the University of Montevallo Environmental Club helped lay the groundwork for the garden, providing expertise and resources for our initial plantings. Volunteers came together to help us plant trees and bushes, but sadly, several were lost during a hurricane in November. The resilience of our community became evident, and the garden’s potential began to sprout.

With the help of a grant from CAWACO RC&D, Inc. in 2020-21, the garden continued to grow. This funding supported the planting of more crops and essential infrastructure. During this phase, volunteers from YMCA, Leadership Shelby County Youth Initiatives, and YouthServe of Birmingham pitched in to maintain the garden, ensuring it continued to thrive despite setbacks. It was here that the garden began to evolve into a cornerstone of fresh food and education.

In May 2022, Keller Williams-Metro South’s Red Day event helped us complete Phase 3 with more planting and the addition of crucial garden features. The garden expanded significantly, thanks to a growing volunteer network, including key figures like Holly Parker Wadleigh and Jim Hicks, who worked tirelessly to support this vital effort.

In 2023, we advanced our mission by hiring a Food Recovery Specialist, funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. This role focused on optimizing the garden's yield and minimizing waste, ensuring that every harvest benefited our community. The specialist also spearheaded educational initiatives, teaching clients how to cultivate their own gardens, thereby promoting long-term food security and self-sufficiency.