Story by Abby Warren

Residents at the Salvation Army's White Shield Center will soon be tending and cultivating a new community garden!

This multi-faceted program, led by Lift Urban Portland, will not only make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible for residents; the garden will also promote ideals of self-sufficiency, strong community, good nutrition, and active, healthy life styles. Surplus from the garden will increase food security amongst low-income seniors and working poor families through donations to the Lift Urban Portland food pantry at NW 18th and Irving. The pantry currently serves 1,000 people per month.

In addition to the benefits it brings to community members, the garden also supports Portland's Climate Action Plan by increasing the amount of food sourced locally. 

Lift Urban Portland made this garden vision a reality with grants from the Metro Central Enhancement Fund and the West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. Volunteers from De la Salle North Catholic High School and Congregation Beth Israel have constructed garden beds and coordinated garden planning. 

To join the garden team for this site, call 503-221-1224 or email garden@LiftUrbanPortland.org.