Green Village Initiative: A Garden Grows in Bridgeport...Get Involved!

Bridgeport’s not-for-profit Green Village Initiative was founded in Westport in 2011. Several years later the decision was made to move GVI’s base of operations and programs to focus on the residents of Bridgeport, CT and has since incorporated values of racial equity, antiracism and food justice into its goals. The GVI runs three programs which consist of community gardens, youth leadership programs and The Reservoir Community Farm, a 1.7 acre educational farm in the heart of Bridgeport with over 47 plots for community gardeners to grow food for their families. 

We had the opportunity to meet Eileen O’Reilly, who serves as a volunteer Board of Director as Chair of the Board. The former New Yorker and Vogue Magazine editor, told us all about the Green Village Initiative as we toured the farm on a warm day in late September. We wandered through rows of fruit, vegetables and flowers all being tended to by community members, as well as rows of wilder plants and greens with butterflies fluttering over the brightly colored flora and bees busily pollinating, their legs covered in brightly colored yellow dust. 

I was thoroughly impressed when she told us that members have grown and sold thousands of pounds of affordable produce each year for their communities. The farm also serves as a setting for school field trips, their Youth Leadership Program, and a knowledge resource hub for Bridgeport’s school and community garden network. 

Presently there are 41 participating gardeners at the farm which also hosts the UConn Urban Agriculture Extension Program, which teaches an Urban Farmer Training program for anyone who wants to learn how to farm in an urban setting.

The farm has traditionally grown culturally appropriate vegetables, responding not only to the agro-climatic conditions at our farm, but also to the specific demands of the people who farm here. Some staples are collard greens, kale, okra, potato, tomato, sweet and hot peppers, green beans, snap peas, carrots, beets, radishes, and herbs such as basil, cilantro, thyme, and rosemary, among others. As a result they’re able to host local food pantries and religious congregations who collectively grow vegetables at the Reservoir Community Farm.

GVI recognizes the importance of addressing the systemic inequities that cause poverty and hunger in our city, and is working towards a Bridgeport in which all people can access healthy, culturally relevant, locally grown foods at school, at work, and at home. They want their farm to be seen as a place that’s educational – a learning center for children and adults alike – as well as a sanctuary for the local community. GVI wants to introduce youth and adults to farming and all the wonderful possibilities that come from growing your own food. They welcome everyone to come and sit and relax in a green, color-infused sparse open space.

GVI hosts local organizations including Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse, food pantries and religious congregations who collectively grow vegetables at the Reservoir Community Farm. They organize workshops, volunteer days, field trips, community engagement activities. 

Like all non-profits, Green Village Initiative needs your help! If you’re interested in getting involved or making a donation you can check them out at any of their upcoming events.

• In December, date TBD, GVI will host a neighborhood sing-a-long and informal winter clothes drive (Think Charlie-Brown Christmas event, with tree decorating, carol-singing, and hot beverage!)

For more information I invite you to learn more by visiting their website.