We work to make fresh produce accessible.

Mission Statement:

The Giving Garden builds food sovereignty in Alachua County by growing and donating produce to enable fresh food access and by providing horticultural education for underserved communities.

What We Do

The Gainesville Giving Garden is a community-led nonprofit farm dedicated to making healthy, fresh food accessible to all. We donate our harvests to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, working with local mutual aid organizations to distribute seasonal, organic produce directly to those in need.

Through hands-on horticultural experiences, we empower underserved individuals with the skills to grow their own food and embrace sustainable, local eating. Our farm is also a hub for education, offering workshops and volunteer opportunities to the wider community, and hosting an Apprenticeship Program for under-resourced youth. These programs provide practical skills in sustainable agriculture, leadership, and land stewardship, helping to build a resilient and equitable local food system.

Our Vision

We believe fresh, organic food should be a right, not a privilege. Access to healthy, sustainable food fosters stronger communities and a healthier planet. Starting with just one acre of land during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve grown into a vibrant farm that bridges the gap between those in need and quality local produce.

Food is medicine—for our bodies, minds, and communities. By consistently collaborating with a range of organizations and community leaders, we ensure our efforts align with local needs and amplify impact. Our partnerships, like those with UF Health Shands CMS Pediatrics and the Free Grocery Store, allow us to deliver harvests to food-insecure families each week.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate with local seed banks like Working Food to grow regionally adapted crops and promote seed sovereignty. We enrich our soil with compost from Beaten Path Compost, creating a closed-loop system in our county, where food waste becomes nourishment for new harvests.

Our farm integrates bio-intensive gardening, water-saving irrigation, and pollinator-friendly practices to cultivate a thriving, eco-friendly space. From planting marigolds to growing nutrient-rich soil, every decision we make supports a healthier community and planet.

Our Story

What began as a neglected, crime-prone lot in 2021 is now a flourishing farm filled with life and community spirit. Thanks to hundreds of volunteers and countless hours of effort, we transformed an abandoned parking lot into a productive, organic farm.

In our first two seasons, we’ve harvested over 4,000 pounds of fresh produce, donated to families in need. With each harvest bag, we aim to nourish bodies, inspire home cooking with recipe cards, and foster connections to healthy eating. Today, a given season yields roughly 5,000 pounds of fresh food harvested and donated yearly.

How can I help? 

Donate!  The Giving Garden relies on donations by those who believe in this cause. Donations go towards purchasing tools, materials, and the necessary resources to keep our farm operating and providing access to good food.

Become a monthly donor to provide sustaining support. Skip a cup or two of coffee per month, and instead donate to our donation farm to support food production for those without fresh food access.

The Giving Garden is always open to tool and material donation. Here are a few examples of helpful gifts to the farm:

• Soil materials: cured cow manure, peat moss, vermiculite, worm castings, etc.

• Shovels

• Low Tunnel Hoops

• Frost Cloth

• Wood for building raised beds

• Harvest containers

Volunteer!  See our Volunteer web page for more information.