Boston Creates More Than 500 Raised Beds Through GrowBoston Program

The gardens build stronger neighborhood food systems and provide hands-on food education.

GrowBoston: Office of Urban Agriculture is celebrating a major milestone of more than 500 raised bed gardens that have now been installed in neighborhoods across Boston. These gardens provide residents with the tools, knowledge, and space to grow their own food, while also helping build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

"Raised bed gardens do more than grow vegetables, they grow community," said Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon. "These gardens give families and individuals in Boston the opportunity to access fresh food, learn valuable skills, and connect with their neighbors. Reaching over 500 gardens is a milestone that reflects our city's commitment to equity, sustainability, and neighborhood resilience."

The Raised Bed Garden Program originated from a pilot initiative launched by the City's Office of Food Justice in 2021. The pilot provided grant funding to urban farming organizations to create raised bed gardens for residents in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food. Seeing the success of this effort, GrowBoston expanded the program in 2023 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to bring more gardens and gardening education to low-income residents throughout the city. The program, coupled with the Urban Agriculture Ambassador Program aims not only to improve access to fresh, local produce but also to provide opportunities for learning, skill development, and community involvement.

"These gardens provide residents with the opportunity to grow their own food while building stronger connections within their neighborhoods," said Shani Fletcher, Director of GrowBoston. "Each raised bed supports learning, promotes healthy eating, and adds beauty and vibrancy to neighborhoods across Boston. Reaching over 500 gardens marks an important milestone for the program and the families and communities it benefits."

Since its inception, GrowBoston has partnered with local organizations to bring raised bed gardens to residents, non-profits, and public facilities such as community centers, libraries, and public housing complexes. In addition to offering the physical garden beds, in 4 priority neighborhoods experiencing high rates of food insecurity, the program pairs residents with Urban Agriculture Ambassadors, who provide personalized guidance and technical support to help individuals learn to grow food successfully and sustainably at their home or community gardens. By combining education with access to garden space, the program empowers families with the skills and confidence to tend their own gardens and strengthen neighborhood food systems.

The gardens also serve as spaces for neighbors to come together. Residents can connect through planting, harvesting, and caring for the gardens, building stronger social ties while also improving access to healthy food. Some community organizations have partnered with the program to distribute fresh produce from their gardens to local pantries, ensuring that more residents benefit from these efforts. Many gardens have been installed through youth employment programs, engaging young people in hands-on learning and allowing them to contribute directly to their communities.

Through this program, GrowBoston is helping residents strengthen local food systems, improve food security, and create vibrant spaces where people can come together.

• Published by: GrowBoston