Growing Gardens

Mission

To utilize the powerful human experience of gardening to increase equitable food access and inspire the next generation of radical food system leaders in Oregon. 

Bottom Line for Portland

As SNAP benefits disappear, thousands of Oregonians are left wondering how they will feed their families. At Growing Gardens, we believe the answer lies in the soil because growing your own food and knowing your local foodways are the most dependable paths to food freedom and community resilience. Together, we are ensuring every Oregonian knows exactly what to do when food is scarce but seeds are plentiful.
 

Our Work:

Home Gardens: Builds raised beds and provides three years of mentorship so families can grow fresh, healthy food at home.

Youth Grow: Creates school gardens where children learn to connect with the land, celebrate culture, and make healthy choices.

Lettuce Grow: Offers hands-on gardening and professional certifications in correctional facilities, supporting growth and opportunity inside and beyond.
 

Each seed planted strengthens Oregon’s food sovereignty, helping families, students, and communities grow resilience from the ground up. Your donation keeps this movement alive by turning uncertainty into abundance and ensuring no Oregonian is left hungry when hope can still grow.

Quote

“When the systems around us fail, the garden never does. It provides us hope, food, community, and the knowledge that we can care for one another, no matter what.” -Jason Skipton, Executive Director

 

“Working in the garden inside changed how I see everything. It reminded me that growth is possible anywhere, even here.” - Lettuce Grow Participant

Incentives

Give and Get a Little Buzz Going
 

All donors: Enjoy a free cup of freshly brewed drip coffee from Portland Coffee Roasters (Oak Street location) as our way of saying thanks for fueling community change.
 

Under 35 or giving $50+: Sip on your free coffee and take home a 12oz bag of Portland Coffee Roasters’ signature beans. Good coffee tastes even better when it grows food equity.
 

$250+ donors: Your gift helps gardens thrive, and your mornings too. Receive a free coffee, a 12oz bag of beans, plus 15% off your next order at PortlandCoffeeRoasters.com (pick up your perks at Oak Street).
 

$500+ donors: You are officially caffeinating a movement. Enjoy a free coffee, a 15% discount online, and five 12oz bags of Portland Coffee Roasters coffee ~ because generosity like yours deserves great coffee in bulk.

Redeemable at the Oak Street location: 815 southeast oak street portland or 97214

Partner(s)

A HUGE heartfelt thank you to Portland Coffee Roasters, and Lan Su Chinese Garden for partnering with us on our dream campaign this year!