"Those who love life do not read. Nor do they go to the movies, actually. No matter what might be said, access to the artistic universe is more or less entirely the preserve of those who are a little fed up with the world." - Michel Houellebecq
I am at this point. I have become utterly and hopelessly "fed up with the world." We all see it, we all feel it. Something needs to be done. Something needs to change. Our generation needs to take action like never before, but what do we do? Who is going to lead us? One thing is for sure, the old paradigm isn't working.
If you're a person looking for something to sink your teeth into that will produce a tangibly positive change in the world, I have just the thing for you.
Abundant Gardens is an organization founded by Elizabeth Guilliams. She was inspired to create the group when she witnessed a transitional person in downtown Los Angeles being served a plate of all brown food. Not the good kind, vegetables, salad, fruit. All brown and void of any nutrients or vitamins.
Guilliams began Abundant Gardens as an effort to provide sustainable organic gardens to those in transitional housing in LA. She is working to implement a University of California recognized "Victory Gardens" curriculum that will provide certificates in gardening. The training will allow residents to grow their own organic foods and also gives them an opportunity to find work as gardeners, farm hands and the like.
The sense of pride and accomplishment that they receive through honest work is another tremendous aspect of the project. Studies show that gardening lowers stress, balances aggression and cultivates optimism, all of which are desperately needed in the transitional community. Not surprisingly, research shows a correlation between the foods we eat and our mental well being.
There are incredible movements towards green living, sustainable growth and organic gardening in today's world. This project is a re-patterning of our city blueprint of food culture. We are retraining our poor to be self-reliant and are using the same amount of money already allotted to welfare programs to yield much more volume as well as much healthier food.
We have more than enough resources in this world to feed every single person. Feed the world? "That's impossible!" said the naysayer. No it's not, it's possible and it's happening.
Abundant Gardens needs help. We have an insanely skilled team of people ranging from MBA graduates to master gardeners who are making this dream a reality. Hundreds of people have already signed up to volunteer their time by directly planting gardens and we could use your help as well.
If you've read this far, then you have a heart, and you obviously care enough about the world to pay attention. The next step is participating. You don't have to get your hands dirty though we highly encourage it! We are looking for donations large and small, monetary and otherwise. If you believe that Abundant Gardens is a righteous cause, then give what you can. If you can't give anything, tell someone about our project and your spreading the word will be your gift.
We are teaching people how to catch the proverbial fish. Time to lend a hand.
Feel free to contact Abundant Gardens at abundantgardens@gmail.com and let us know how you would like to contribute to the betterment of the one of the largest homeless communities in America.
All donations are tax deductible and are made directly to our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Check out Zach's blog here: zachpuch.wordpress.com