In a bold move towards sustainability and self-reliance, the Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization (SNO) is launching an initiative aimed at transforming urban spaces into thriving gardens. This project, designed to combat food insecurity, provides residents with the tools they need to grow fresh produce right at home.

Empower Your Life Through Urban Gardening

The vision of this program extends beyond just planting seeds; it's about planting hope and fostering resilience within the community.

Revolutionizing Urban Spaces for Sustainability

The heart of this initiative lies in its practical approach to addressing the challenges posed by limited access to healthy foods. By distributing free garden containers to 40 lucky participants residing in Sharpsburg, Etna, and Millvale, SNO aims to empower individuals to take control of their dietary choices. Each kit comes equipped with essential gardening materials such as buckets, soil, seeds, seedlings, and detailed instructions tailored for novice urban gardeners. This collaboration with Triboro Ecodistrict underscores a commitment to sustainable living practices. Jodi Klebick, the executive director of SNO, emphasizes that everyone deserves access to nutritious options regardless of location. She explains how these compact gardens can be effortlessly integrated into daily life, whether placed on porches, stoops, or backyards. Such adaptability ensures inclusivity across diverse living environments.Furthermore, SNO plays a pivotal role in enhancing local economic vitality through various projects. These range from offering free home energy audits to providing paid career training opportunities alongside enrollment in leadership academies. Additionally, organizing community cleanups further solidifies their dedication to fostering healthier neighborhoods.

A Gateway to Self-Sufficiency

For those eager to partake in this enriching experience, registration is conveniently available via SNO’s official website. Klebick highlights the inclusion of user-friendly seed varieties known for their ease of cultivation. Anticipated offerings include staples like tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, herbs, and lettuce—each contributing significantly to combating food scarcity issues prevalent in Allegheny County, where an alarming 11.4% face food insecurity annually.According to statistics from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which disburses over 8 million pounds of vegetables and fruits annually, promoting personal food production holds immense potential in alleviating hunger concerns. Mayor Kayla Portis enthusiastically supports this endeavor, recognizing its multifaceted benefits spanning health, cost-efficiency, and financial savings amidst escalating produce prices.

Partnerships Fueling Success

Critical contributions from generous partners have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Home Depot generously donated five-gallon, food-grade buckets sourced from their East Liberty branch. Meanwhile, Bartsch Gardens graciously provided seeds, while Red Hawk Coffee offered coffee grounds—an excellent natural fertilizer component—to enhance soil quality.Behind-the-scenes efforts involve dedicated volunteers working tirelessly under Klebick's guidance. Tasks encompass meticulous preparations such as drilling drainage holes in bucket bases and carefully assembling all components into cohesive kits ready for distribution. Scheduled to coincide with the Etna Earth Day Challenge on April 26th, followed by the Spring into Sharpsburg garden-themed celebration held between noon and 2 p.m., this event promises excitement and engagement among attendees.Christine DeRunk, borough manager, extols the virtues of this innovative bucket gardening solution. Highlighting its suitability for households constrained by minimal yard space, she applauds SNO's ingenuity in enabling residents to cultivate fresh, wholesome vegetables and herbs even within confined areas. Her enthusiasm resonates deeply, expressing genuine appreciation for SNO's visionary contribution toward nurturing vibrant communities.