The Coalition of Community Gardens is assessing our priorities for 2026 and we want your input!
Mission: The mission of the Coalition of Community Gardens is to support community gardening, share knowledge and resources, grow a sustainable framework through advocacy and public policy, and cultivate individual and community health.
Core Values:
Growing Spirit : COCG celebrates the delight and sense of joy achieved through community gardening.
Health Equity : COCG is committed to the reduction of health disparities; particularly those populations who do not have safe and equal access to nutritional food and outdoor activities; including all residents with all levels of ability, and from all backgrounds.
Community Engagement : COCG recognizes that community engagement is empowering, and increases the likelihood of cooperation, ownership, and success.
Education: COCG is committed to educating people on how they can sup port, encourage, and engage in healthy physical and mental wellness activi ties through community gardening.
Sustainability: COCG is committed to a lasting positive environmental impact.
Data Driven : COCG is committed to using data collection and analysis to guide decision making and improve health outcomes.
We are honored to have received two grants.
- Allegany Franciscan Ministries awarded $10,000 annually for 2 years to strengthen the administrative infrastructure of COCG.
- Community Foundation, Tampa Bay awarded $40,000 in July 2025 to continue the work that was begun during the USDA Grant including:
- Coordinate the COCG’s work
- Ensure membership engagement
- Operate the online volunteer recruitment and assignment system
- Recruit more Urban Agriculture Specialists/trainees to graduate additional certified cohorts
- Ensure that more emphasis will be paid to the health benefits of gardening
Please click here to provide feedback on the priorities of the Coalition for the coming years.
