Secretary Vilsack began the People's Garden Initiative, named in honor of President Lincoln's description of USDA as the "People's Department," with one garden at USDA Headquarters in 2009. He later challenged all USDA employees to create gardens at USDA facilities worldwide or within the communities where they work. The Initiative has since grown into a collaborative effort of over 1,300 local and national organizations all working together to establish community and school gardens that incorporate sustainable practices and improve communities across the country.
Through this Initiative USDA demonstrates that the simple act of planting a garden can help unite neighborhoods in a common effort and inspire locally-led solutions to challenges facing our country - from hunger to climate change.
Learn how you can join the movement by visiting the People’s Garden website.
Contacts
Annie Ceccarini, Manager
(202) 577-7462
annie.ceccarini@dm.usda.gov