GROW PORTLAND
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : g**********d@g***l.c*m
Mission Statement
Grow Portland supports schools and communities by facilitating hands-on garden experiences that foster connections to food, nature and each other.
About This Cause
Founded in 2010, Grow Portland has sought to create solutions to a lack of equitable outdoor and garden access in our city, particularly among immigrants, refugees, people of color, and low-income families. We work in solidarity with these groups in urban garden spaces, starting with the creation of 10 community gardens and transitioning in 2015 to primarily work in school gardens in partnership with school communities. Our Garden School program addresses specific systemic injustices, including a lack of access to fresh, local foods, access to green space, and the availability of quality outdoor education for school-aged children. In the 2023-2024 school year, Grow Portland is partnered with 14 schools, reaching 6000+ students monthly in over 200 classrooms, in Portland Public and David Douglas School Districts. 75% of students are low income; 60% are students of color; and 25% are English Language Learners. 17% are high needs Special Education students. This diverse student population is often underrepresented and underserved, despite schools’ best efforts. Many of them live in apartment complexes in urban areas, with little access to nature and green spaces. Most of these areas are considered “food apartheids”, with very few grocery stores or other access to fresh food nearby. However, we know from our years-long relationships that these communities are strong and resilient. With your support, we can continue to bolster these schools and provide students with the academic support and outdoor experiences that lead to a love of learning and nature. Our Vision: Grow Portland envisions a future where tending relationships with food and the land are central to the wellbeing of communities. Our Values: * Rooted in Relationships: Relationships are at the heart of what we do; they require time and intention. * Centering Equity: Our actions are grounded in environmental justice, equity, and accessibility to build collective meaningful engagement. * Learning Together: We celebrate that we all learn differently and we learn from each other. We recognize there are things to unlearn, and that we can learn from our mistakes. * Embracing Joy: We learn through play and center a sense of wonder, exploration, and joy.