East Missoula, long without essential resources, finds a fresh start with a community garden. Residents, lacking a nearby grocery store, often rely on gas stations for food. On May 3, the East Missoula Community Garden will open, providing a space for growing food, sharing knowledge, and fostering community bonds. The initiative addresses local food scarcity and transportation challenges.
Many East Missoula residents, facing limited access to fresh produce, depend on distant grocery stores. East Missoula United, collaborating with Garden City Harvest and Missoula County, responded with the community garden initiative. Garden City Harvest, established in 1996 amidst cuts to food stamps, aims to offer sustainable food solutions. The organization initially grew food for food banks, producing around 2,000 pounds annually at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.
Now, Garden City Harvest generates approximately 20,000 pounds of food annually across 22 sites, including neighborhood farms and school gardens. The network includes 12 community gardens that foster local connections. Garden City Harvest supplies tools, compost, and water, aiding plots rented by individuals.
East Missoula’s food desert status, lacking nearby grocery stores, prompted the garden project. Many locals, like Richard Fifield, face significant challenges reaching stores due to transportation barriers. “I would gather there is probably a thousand people …who do not have transportation,” Fifield noted. This impacts local diets, forcing reliance on costly processed foods.
Initiated by Eikra Hickey of East Missoula United, the garden idea gained traction over a decade. “If you want to make something happen out here, you kind of have to just go for it,” Hickey stated. The group, originally opposing local storage units, pivoted towards positive community projects like the garden. The idea received significant community support.
Missoula County, through Nick Zanetos, backed the project, recognizing community demand. Garden City Harvest assessed the site for water availability and soil health, leading to their involvement in 2021. Challenges included ensuring water distribution and securing fencing due to local wildlife, specifically black bears.
Despite setbacks like a windstorm damaging newly installed fencing, the garden, featuring 45 plots, is set to open. Raised beds accommodate those with mobility challenges. Zosel anticipates the garden will enhance community access to fresh produce and promote local engagement.
Hickey and Fifield see the garden as transformative for East Missoula. “I hope we are able to reach people that live in this community and want to grow their own food or want to learn how to grow their own food,” Hickey expressed. “I think it can really change a lot of people’s lives.”
The East Missoula Community Garden’s grand opening on May 3 encourages local participation, marking a new chapter for the community.
—
Read More Montana News
