The idea for Victory Gardens (VG) surfaced after the 2013 flood. “We were confronted with three facts: an uncertain global economy, disrupted supply chains, and climate change. All increased the importance of local community resilience,” said Jim McVey. “This is especially important with respect to food security.
“We grow food at our garden farm, using regenerative methods, and help others do the same. We believe that a strong local food system is the foundation of a sustainable community.”
When Victory Gardens was formed in 2015, its mission was to increase local food security by growing food locally, developing partnerships, and providing educational services. Directors envisioned a grassroots effort that involved the entire community. They hosted community meetings and published an educational website.
“We proposed launching a local farmers market, reviving the dormant community garden, and building economic relationships. Since then, much of this has come to pass, thanks to the efforts of the entire community.”
The nonprofit has three directors. D’Andrea has been a community leader in Ned for years, and is often seen in the area with her flowing blond hair and posse of dogs. Wendy Monroe and Jim McVey are the other two directors.
Monroe earned her B.A. in English from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She is the former CEO of Mycobiological Laboratories, LLC, and current proprietor of Native Medicinals.
McVey is a former professor at the University of Colorado. He is the author of three books including The Way Home: Essays on the Outside West.
Victory Gardens was certified as a 501(c)(3) in 2017 after growing food at the Nederland Library, the Community Center, and on private property, selling and donating the produce locally. Then, in 2018, Lyn Hanna offered her property in Nederland to be the permanent home of Victory Gardens.
This allowed the group to survive as a local nonprofit dedicated to fostering local food systems in Ned and environs. VG believes local food security and renewable energy independence are two key pieces to community resilience.
The outstanding features of VG include growing organic produce and herbs at their garden farm in Nederland, and selling it to the Farmers Market, the Holistic Homestead, and the Food Co- Op. “We also donate to the Food Pantry in Ned. Building local food systems is part of our mission. We help homeowners and schools design and build their own vegetable and pollinator gardens…. I believe we are the only garden farm in Ned that locally grows, sells, and donates organic produce,” McVey continues.
Victory Gardens also partners with schools and other nonprofits in the area in order to “encourage anyone and everyone to grow food.” One of their very successful partnerships has been with TEENS, Inc. “In 2020, we partnered with Chinook West School to build a vegetable garden at the TEENS Inc. facility in Nederland.”
McVey went on to say that if anyone wants to help in this effort, not only investing in our local economy, but also creating opportunities for our young people, they might consider making a donation on the VG website, specifying that it is intended for the TEENS gardens.
Covid did not dramatically affect the work at Victory Gardens. “We were awarded grant money for the 2020 growing season, and donated all of our produce to the Ned Food Pantry and Ward food bank.”
You will find Victory Gardens – the name “stolen” from the gardens Americans were urged to grow in their yards during WWII – at 133 W. 3rd Street in Nederland. For additional information, check them out online at www.nedvictorygardens.org.
Sponsored by the Town of Nederland, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
