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Trellis for Tomorrow pitches community-garden model to Upper Providence board
Summary
Trellis for Tomorrow described fee-for-service community gardens that supply local need and partner support; the presenter said most partner sites send at least half their harvest to people in need and noted options for scaled projects and funding models for Upper Providence to consider.
The board heard a presentation from Trellis for Tomorrow on community gardens and a 'Food for All' partner model.
"My name is David Bridal, and I'm with a non profit organization called Trellis for Tomorrow," the presenter said, describing a program that supports garden installations, ongoing agricultural support and partner relationships across the region.
Bridal said Trellis supports just under 60 partners across four counties and typically helps produce "somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 or 70,000 pounds of organic produce" annually in the region. He described a fee-for-service model for garden installation and an annual fee-for-service that provides continued technical support and training; Trellis asks partners to donate at least 50% of production to local agencies or people in need and often sees partners donate more.
Board members asked about cost and funding; the Trellis representative said upfront installation costs (including fencing and irrigation) vary by garden size and that annual fees are typically a fraction of installation costs. Park director said any budget commitment would need board and board-of-supervisors review during budget season and suggested exploring stakeholder or volunteer support to cover fees.
Trellis offered to prepare a proposal with small, medium and large examples and cost frames if the board wants to pursue the idea; board members discussed possible volunteer partners and timing for a spring installation rather than this summer.
