[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE COMMUNITY GARDENS ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 2009

  Mr. INSLEE. Madam Speaker, today Congresswoman Norton and I 
introduced the Community Gardens Act of 2009, along with 
Representatives Matsui, Blumenauer, Moran, Conyers, Jr., Bordallo, 
Christensen, Dennis Moore, Engel, Kaptur, Maloney, McGovern, Carson, 
Grijalva, Barbara Lee, Donna Edwards, Woolsey and Cleaver II. We thank 
them for their support.
  Localities across America are already demonstrating an eagerness to 
harvest fresh fruits and vegetables in community gardens. According to 
a national study, 1 million households participated in community 
gardens in 2008, and an estimated 5 million households are very 
interested in starting a garden plot near their home. Washington state 
is home to many opportunities by which individuals may participate in a 
community garden atmosphere. For example, the City of Seattle's 
Department of Neighborhoods currently maintains 1,900 plots, which 
serve more than 3,800 urban gardeners on 23 acres of land. This 
successful program is expanding as interest in gardening grows. With 
this legislation we can help programs like the one in Seattle, 
Washington, as well as at 21 Acres in Woodinville, Washington, to 
expand opportunities for all American households to share in the 
numerous benefits of local gardening.
  The Community Gardens Act of 2009 will establish a grant program 
specifically geared to help local organizations create community 
gardens in their areas. Groups eligible to apply for funds include 
community-development organizations, schools, and state and local 
governments, among others. By encouraging these groups to construct 
gardens in their communities, the legislation will promote nutrition, 
environmental awareness, and neighborhood development.
  Existing community gardens illustrate the many benefits of creating 
such a grant program. These gardens are already helping to beautify 
neighborhoods by transforming vacant lots and paved areas into 
``green'' spaces. They are reducing the impact of nutrient and sediment 
pollution on local wildlife habitats, forest lands and water quality. 
They are also teaching our kids about the importance of nutrition and 
exercise by participating in harvesting healthy food and creating an 
excellent opportunity for outdoor recreation.
  Congresswoman Norton and I are proud to introduce the Community 
Gardens Act of 2009 and we look forward to working in Congress to 
ensure that healthy food and healthy lifestyles are available to all 
communities across the nation.

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