Alan Day Community Garden: A Model of Community Engagement

It has been identified through individuals and community partners that isolation, disconnection, and not feeling valued can be an underlying cause for health issues like obesity or substance use disorder. The Alan Day Community Garden (ADCG) is in its second year as a partner with the Oxford County Wellness Collaborative (OCWC) in expanding the vision of a community engaged and working with one another through the community garden model in efforts to address isolation and loneliness.

The ADCG has been offering gardening plots and free workshops to the Norway community since 2010. Executive Director Rocky Crockett has seen firsthand the benefits of growing food with your neighbors. “Community Gardens bring together the best of both aspects, offering connection, cooperation, support, and an abundance of nutritious, affordable food. The ADCG has made a remarkably positive difference in the lives of many youth and adults in our community,” says Crockett.

The ADCG offers a number of resources to the community, including:

Free workshops are offered throughout the growing season and a complete listing can be found here. You can come and learn things about gardening while deepening connections with your neighbor. Stop by to check out a Mushroom Plugging workshop, attend planned Fundraisers for the garden or enjoy a Community Meal.

Youth Leadership Program (YLP). The ADCG offers a great program for students looking to get more involved in sustainable food systems. Students are trained in gardening and skills to deepen their connections to community and their civic responsibility. They also assist with implementing and maintaining gardening plots like the one at the Norway Early Learning Center on Lynn Street. More info can be found here.

Community Supported Agriculture shares (CSAs).

The garden offers the opportunity to invest in local youth, organic & sustainable growing practices, and the ADCG through investing in a share of nutritious, locally grown produce. There are full shares, half shares, and pay-per-share options; SNAP benefits can be used to pay for a share too! Click here to learn more. Note: registrations for 2018 growing season is now closed.