Partnership sets out to transform 4 San Antonio community gardens

Two nonprofits are rolling out a three-year initiative to turn four San Antonio community gardens into what the nonprofits call regional “hubs” where gardeners will share best practices, guidance and strategies for success to use at other area community gardens.

Love, Tito’s Block to Block is partnering with Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas to develop Eagle’s Nest Community Garden, Garcia Street Urban Farm, High Country Community Garden and Labor Serena Community Garden, according to an April 7 news release.

To mark this partnership, representatives of both organizations joined volunteers at the Garcia Street Urban Farm on San Antonio’s east side April 14 to remove old plants, and redesign and expand the farm’s herb, vegetable, and cut-flower growing areas to support farmers.

Additionally, the project at the Garcia farm will support irrigation expansion to new and improved growing areas, the release said.

GSAST and Love, Tito’s, a nonprofit associated with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, said the development of the four aforementioned community gardens will help to raise awareness of local food deserts, where low-income residents lack access to affordable, healthy food.

GSAST and Love, Tito’s said community gardens help provide such residents with access to green spaces and fresh produce that may otherwise be unavailable to them.

Representatives from both groups also said these and similar gardens are a source of pride, community and culture for residents in those neighborhoods.

The release said as time goes on, gardeners will be able to gather at a hub garden near them for leadership training opportunities, garden education, supply exchanges and seed shares, networking, and other activities.