This summer I have been coordinating the Gardeners’ Swap Meets, an informal weekly gathering of Chicoans trading zucchinis for peaches, basil for egglants, or tomatoes for blackberries. I thought people would show up, drop off their zook’s, chat for a minute, grab some plums, and be on their merry way. But what has amazed me is how many folks show up to the Swap Meet and stay for 45 minutes or more before bidding their fond farewells, as if at friend’s drop-in barbecue party.

What I had originally intended to be simply a fun way to unload some excess squash is evolving into a weekly social event, with the focal point being home-grown goodies.

Fresh on the heels of the Swap Meets, the G.R.U.B. program has started up, the brainchild of four CSU, Chico students. The goal of G.R.U.B. (Growing Resourcefully, Uniting Bellies) is equally as simple: To resourcefully grow vegetable gardens in the yards of local residents that do not have the time or 'know-how' to grow their own. The resulting produce is harvested, sorted into boxes and delivered via bicycle to residents with a G.R.U.B. garden as well as to surrounding neighbors. As of August 27, 6 gardens in Chico have been planted, with an additional 30 folks offering up space. Once I plant the cauliflower starts I got, my garden will be number 7. (For more information, on G.R.U.B. contact Francine at grubchico[at]yahoo[dot]com)

The reasons why it is favorable to grow and eat local food are numerous. As compared to supermarket produce, veggies that come from a neighbor’s garden are fresh, require minimal petroleum to transport to the table, and are grown without the use of industrial pesticides or fertilizers (which also require energy to produce and transport). And generally speaking, most backyard veggies aren’t produced for profit, but rather for the pure joy growing. In this manner a beloved pastime and healthy eating are merged into one.

But in my mind, the most important element that is emerging as a result of these two programs is the bringing together of people in the community. This creates stronger bonds between neighbors, resulting in safer, more pleasant, and overall healthier living spaces.

Where might this lead? I would like to see local gardeners teaming up based on geographical proximity to grow and share produce for their entire community, perhaps 5 gardeners for a neighborhood of 15-20 households. The growers could coordinate such that each focuses on a different set of veggies. Those community members blessed with prolific fruit trees could also make themselves known to their neighbors. A further bonus would be if a neighborhood has among them someone who knows (or is willing to learn) the “lost art” of canning, which could thus enable the community to enjoy local foods at times when it isn't thriving in the garden.

I have heard that is some parts of town this is already happening to an extent. Are you presently a part of such an endeavor? Please share your thoughts or inspirations!