Solidarity Gardens CU is a newly launched initiative meant to address food insecurity through distribution of gardening supplies and donated produce. From the press release:
With help from the broader community, Solidarity Gardens CU will be offering free seeds, seedlings, tools, soil, containers, miscellaneous supplies, gardening expertise, and educational resources to any interested party in the Champaign-Urbana area, and will then collect, process, and redistribute donated produce to community members who are facing economic and food access challenges through the Solidarity Gardens CU Distribution Network. Participants will receive a Solidarity Garden yard sign, donated by Cunningham Township, to acknowledge their effort. The initiative is also looking for groups to adopt garden plots donated by the Urbana Park District and Champaign Park District.
To become involved, check out their website and indicate how you might be able to help. Volunteers are needed to tend plots, donate supplies, help other with raising food. You can also donate food that you have grown.
Those interested in gardening but in need of supplies can find them at one of these locations, while supplies last:
Cunningham Township
Mondays and Wednesday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Fridays from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
205 West Green Street, Urbana
Sola Gratia Pay-What-You-Can Market (along with CU Public Health Mobile Services)
Every Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. (beginning June 5th)
Cornerstone Fellowship, 1101 E. Colorado Ave, Urbana
Carle Mobile Health Clinic
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (beginning June 9)
Various Locations
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1601 W. Bloomington Road, Champaign
Tuesday, June 9th from 8 a.m. to noon
Salt & Light, 1819 Philo Road, Urbana
Wednesday, June 10th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Illinois Worknet Building, 1307 N. Mattis Avenue, Champaign
Thursday, June 11th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo from Solidarity Gardens CU website.