Green Acre Community Garden

For residents across New Jersey, finding accessible, fresh, and locally grown produce can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, nestled in the heart of Paterson, a true gem exists that’s dedicated to nourishing both the community and the land. Green Acre Community Garden is more than just a garden; it’s an urban oasis, a hub for food justice, and a vibrant center for community building right here in our Garden State. It stands as a testament to the power of local initiatives in providing healthy food options and fostering a stronger, more connected neighborhood.

This remarkable one-acre urban farm is a significant resource for Paterson and surrounding areas, offering a wide array of fresh vegetables, herbs, and an expanding collection of fruit trees. It’s a place where the principles of sustainable agriculture are put into practice daily, ensuring that the food grown is not only delicious but also environmentally responsible. Green Acre Community Garden is a living example of how urban spaces can be transformed into productive and beautiful environments that benefit everyone. It’s a place where you can learn about where your food comes from, connect with nature, and become a part of a movement towards greater food security in our New Jersey communities.

The dedicated work at Green Acre Community Garden is overseen by Deacon Willie Davis, a true Paterson treasure whose deep-seated knowledge as a Black farmer from the South is invaluable. His expertise in fruits and vegetables is widely praised by visitors and community members alike, making the garden a highly recommended spot for anyone looking to understand and support local agriculture. This dedication to both cultivation and education ensures that the garden remains a vital asset for the region, continuously growing and adapting to meet the needs of its neighbors.

Green Acre Community Garden is conveniently located at 218 Rosa Parks Blvd, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA. Its central Paterson address makes it easily accessible for residents within the city and from neighboring towns across New Jersey. The garden is situated in a vibrant part of Paterson, encouraging local foot traffic and creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. For those driving, street parking is often available nearby, and public transportation options in Paterson also provide convenient access to the area. This prime location underscores the garden's commitment to serving the local community directly where the need for fresh produce and green spaces is often greatest. Its presence on Rosa Parks Boulevard is a meaningful nod to community and progress.

Navigating to Green Acre Community Garden is straightforward, whether you're coming from within Paterson or from other parts of New Jersey. Its proximity to major local thoroughfares ensures that it's an easy destination to reach for anyone interested in fresh, healthy food or participating in community events. The garden aims to be as accessible as possible, serving as a cornerstone for healthy living and community engagement in the heart of Paterson.

Green Acre Community Garden offers a diverse range of services, all aimed at fostering a healthier and more connected community in New Jersey:

• Urban Farm & Greenhouse: The garden operates as a one-acre urban farm, diligently cultivating a wide variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a growing number of fruit trees. In 2020, with community support, they acquired a greenhouse, which significantly extends their growing season, facilitates seed starting, and serves as a plant nursery. This allows for year-round production and expanded offerings to the community.
• Advancing Food Justice: A core principle of Green Acre is to address food insecurity and limited access to healthy foods in the Fourth Ward of Paterson, a predominantly Black and Latinx community. They actively work to dismantle these injustices by producing thousands of pounds of fresh food annually, which is then distributed to community members.
• Biweekly Farm Stands: All the produce harvested from the garden is distributed at biweekly farm stands. These stands provide a direct and accessible way for local residents to obtain fresh, nutritious food.
• Mutual Aid Efforts: Beyond the farm stands, produce is also donated to neighborhood partners who work with under-resourced residents, ensuring that those most in need have access to healthy options. These bags of produce are often distributed for free, with optional donations helping to support farm operations.
• Building Community: Green Acre is a hub for free community events throughout the year. These include popular gatherings such as Easter Basket Giveaways, Summer Cookouts, Thanksgiving Drives, and Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies, among others. These events foster a strong sense of community and provide opportunities for neighbors to connect.
• Community-Engaged Learning: The garden is intentional in creating rich programming, particularly for children and youth. They offer nutrition education to equip young people with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. They also raise awareness about local food systems and ancestral farming practices that regenerate the land and honor the traditions of the African diaspora.
• Educational Opportunities: During workdays and farm tours, community volunteers and visitors can learn about polyculture, heritage crops, seed keeping, composting, and other sustainable agricultural practices. This hands-on learning is invaluable for anyone interested in gardening and food production.
• Access to Nature: In a neighborhood with limited safe, green spaces, Green Acre provides a peaceful and idyllic setting. Residents can visit the farm to enjoy rows of collard greens, traditional crops, fruit trees, annual flowers, native and perennial plants, patches of sunflowers, and observe bees and birds. It serves as a green oasis and a refuge for wildlife and visitors seeking respite.

Green Acre Community Garden boasts several features and highlights that make it a standout resource for the Paterson community and beyond:

• Sustainable Urban Farm: Operating as a true urban farm, Green Acre demonstrates how substantial food production can occur even in densely populated areas. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture practices ensures healthy food and a healthy environment.
• Greenhouse for Extended Growing: The integration of a greenhouse significantly enhances the garden's capacity, allowing for year-round cultivation and a more consistent supply of fresh produce, even during off-seasons.
• Community-Centric Distribution: The practice of distributing fresh produce for free or with optional donations at biweekly farm stands, and through mutual aid efforts, directly addresses food insecurity and promotes equitable access to healthy food within the community.
• Educational Hub: Beyond growing food, the garden is a living classroom. It offers valuable opportunities for children, youth, and adults to learn about nutrition, sustainable farming techniques, and the importance of local food systems.
• Vibrant Community Events: The regular hosting of free community events like holiday giveaways and cookouts transforms the garden into a dynamic social space, fostering strong bonds and a sense of belonging among residents.
• Deacon Davis's Expertise: The invaluable knowledge and leadership of Deacon Willie Davis, a third-generation farmer, are a core highlight. His guidance ensures the garden's success and provides a rich source of agricultural wisdom for all who visit. As one satisfied local put it, "Deacon Davis is a Paterson treasure. His knowledge of fruits and vegetables is priceless. I highly recommend this garden for all your plant needs. Support local gardens!" This sentiment truly captures the impact of his work.
• Green Oasis in the City: The garden provides a much-needed green space and a serene escape in an urban environment. It's a place where residents can connect with nature, observe wildlife, and find tranquility.
• Focus on Heritage Crops and Ancestral Farming: The garden honors traditions of the African diaspora by cultivating heritage crops and teaching ancestral farming practices, adding a unique cultural dimension to its offerings.

Green Acre Community Garden consistently strives to make healthy food accessible to everyone in the New Jersey region. While direct "promotions" in the commercial sense are not their primary focus as a non-profit urban farm, their entire operational model is built around community benefit and access.

• Free Produce Distribution: A significant "promotion" is the distribution of thousands of pounds of fresh produce for free at their biweekly farm stands. While optional donations are accepted to support operations, the core mission is to provide nutritious food without a financial barrier. This ensures that even those with limited resources can access high-quality, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program: Green Acre Community Garden has previously participated in a CSA program, offering a structured way for community members to receive a consistent share of the farm's harvest throughout the season. This model, while requiring a pre-payment, effectively acts as a promotion for regular access to fresh, seasonal produce directly from the farm, often at a beneficial rate compared to retail prices. Information on current CSA availability can typically be found by contacting the garden directly.
• Free Community Events: The numerous free community events hosted by the garden, such as Easter Basket Giveaways, Summer Cookouts, Thanksgiving Drives, and Christmas Tree Lightings, can also be considered a form of promotion. These events offer tangible benefits to attendees, whether it's free food, entertainment, or a sense of community, all at no cost.
• Educational Workshops and Tours: The garden frequently offers free workshops and garden tours to visitors and volunteers. These educational opportunities are a valuable promotion, providing residents with knowledge and skills related to gardening, nutrition, and sustainable living, empowering them to grow their own food or make healthier choices.
• Partnerships for Wider Reach: Green Acre Community Garden collaborates with local organizations, such as A Better Market, which has joined the Good Food Bucks program. This partnership allows SNAP users to receive a 50% discount on fruits and vegetables purchased, effectively doubling their buying power for healthy produce. While not a direct garden promotion, it’s a significant benefit that aligns with the garden’s mission of food justice and healthy eating, enabling wider access to their produce.

For the most up-to-date information on current distributions, event schedules, or any specific offerings, it is always recommended to reach out to Green Acre Community Garden directly.

To connect with Green Acre Community Garden, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 218 Rosa Parks Blvd, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
• Phone: (862) 264-7059
• Mobile Phone: +1 862-264-7059

Green Acre Community Garden is an ideal resource for New Jersey locals, particularly those in and around Paterson, for numerous compelling reasons. First and foremost, it directly addresses critical needs within the community by providing access to fresh, healthy, and often free produce in an area where such options might be limited. This commitment to food justice ensures that residents can enjoy nutritious food, contributing to better public health outcomes. The garden’s urban setting makes it incredibly convenient for city dwellers to access a green space and fresh produce without needing to travel far.

Beyond the tangible benefit of food, Green Acre Community Garden serves as a vital community hub. It offers unique educational opportunities for all ages, from hands-on gardening workshops to nutrition education for youth. This allows locals to gain valuable skills, connect with nature, and understand the importance of sustainable living. The garden’s regular free community events – from seasonal celebrations to food distributions – create a welcoming environment for neighbors to connect, build relationships, and foster a stronger sense of belonging. As evidenced by a customer’s review highlighting Deacon Davis’s invaluable knowledge, the garden is not just a place to get plants; it’s a place to learn from true experts and embrace local support. For families, individuals, and anyone passionate about healthy living and community engagement, Green Acre Community Garden truly embodies the spirit of local support and growth right here in New Jersey.

Green Acre Community Garden

218 Rosa Parks Blvd, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA