Community Garden

In high cost-of-living areas like Fairfax County, it's easy for low income families to be left behind.According to the 2024 Capitol Area Food Bank Hunger Report, 27% of Fairfax County families are experiencing food insecurity. Community gardens help by offering spaces where people can grow their own fruits and vegetables, allowing them to enjoy connecting with the earth and other gardeners even as they supplement their groceries with delicious fresh produce.

Annandale UMC is proud to be finalizing a partnership agreement with Hands on Harvests (HOH) to establish a community garden in an unused part of the Mission Center grounds. Our location is currently visited by members of 350-400 families a week receiving food from our programs, making the Mission Center a convenient location for any who are interested to begin growing their own produce as well. Over fall  2024 and winter 2024-2025 the garden beds will be established and fenced in and a shed and picnic tables will be installed. Members of the Heritage Community will be able to participate in the garden which will be coordinated and operated by HOH.

Hands on Harvests is an all-volunteer Northern Virginia non-profit organization that establishes and operates community gardens to improve access to fresh produce and reduce food waste. They partner with a variety of organizations from seed sellers to local government agencies, master gardeners and nearby farms.“HOH collaborates with Fairfax County schools on an agricultural technology program that combines computer science and food production, and has established an ever-increasing number of community gardens across the county. Master gardeners and HOH mentors provide bilingual gardening support at all current community garden locations, and spring and fall harvest parties help these truly be a location for community connections.