Get Involved-Spotlight: Green Corn Project
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Our Mission: To educate and assist Central Texans in growing organic food gardens.
Our Vision: That Central Texans have nutritious, affordable food grown in ways that conserve natural resources, promote self-reliance, and strengthen communities.
Green Corn Project (GCP) is a volunteer-driven 501©(3) nonprofit organization that educates and assists Central Texans in growing food gardens. GCP serves people with limited access to nutritious, affordable food by partnering with them to build their own gardens at homes, schools, and community centers. We teach effective techniques for growing food at home organically, while making maximum use of land, water, and energy. The whole community benefits when gardeners share their new skills and excess harvest with others.
“We are so appreciative of the garden. We will be able to grow things that we can’t ordinarily buy.” —Lydia, Garden Recipient
A Powerful Hunger:According to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas, one in five adults and one in four children in Texas are hungry. Growing one’s own vegetables not only provides low income households with food security but also offers nutritional benefits, especially for growing children.
GCP believes that sustainable practices like organic gardening can improve community health. We put gardens in people’s yards because local foods cost less, use fewer natural resources, and empowers families by allowing them to provide for themselves and teaching them proven methods of organic gardening that will succeed season after season.
Our Programs:GCP would like to give as many people as possible the opportunity to grow nutritious food right where they live. We believe doing so increases self-reliance, helps meet the needs of less fortunate families, promotes sustainable use of resources, and creates a greater connection to the land. We accomplish this through our:
Organic Food Gardening Program:: GCP’s flagship program installs gardens across Austin for need based applicants and community organizations. GCP organizes all planting events (Dig-Ins) and provides all labor, materials, tools, compost, seeds, and starter plants. Mentors continue to work with garden recipients throughout the year.
Seeds to Starts Workshops: GCP offers workshops where volunteers sow seeds and transplant seedlings to supply our gardens for Dig In events.
Biointensive Gardening Workshops: GCP leads two hands-on, all-day workshops on biointensive gardening led by organic gardening experts.
Community Gardens: GCP has planted gardens for the following community organizations: American Youth Works, Andrews Elementary, Austin Discovery School, Habitat for Humanity, Brook Elementary, Guadalupe Neighborhood Association, Heart House, Hemphill Elementary, Metz Elementary, SafePlace, South Rural Community Center, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, St. Louise House, Sunrise Community Church, Travis Heights Elementary, Texas Empowerment Academy, The Green Classroom, and the University of Texas Child Development Center.
Our Method: Because GCP teaches sustainable biointensive growing, people learn to ‘grow’ soil. The main aspects of biointensive gardening are:
-Double Digging (deep soil preparation)-Composting-Hexagonal, or intensive planting-Companion Planting
Biointensive gardening conserves water, uses about one quarter of the land space, and requires 99 percent less energy than conventional growing methods.
How You Can Help: Green Corn Project is a volunteer-driven, donor funded organization. We need you to help us serve the Austin community!
Your Time: GCP relies on our network of volunteers at weekend Dig-In events held every fall and spring. Come help us build a garden at a home, school, or community center and learn all about organic gardening! No experience is necessary. Sign up now at greencornproject.org.
Supplies and Servies: We gladly accept donations of the following: – Plants, tools, seeds, organic compost, greenhouses, and vehicles – Printing, graphic design, and advisory services – Goods and services for the silent auction at our annual fall fundraiser at Boggy Creek Farm
Donate: Each GCP garden costs about $130 to install and maintain for four seasons. We gladly accept sponsorships for part or all of the cost. Donate online at greencornproject.org or mail your tax-deductible donations to us:Green Corn Project
P.O. Box 49468
Austin, Texas 78765
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