Urban farming has been growing in popularity with more people wanting to save money, eat healthier, and spend more time outdoors. Mercy Housing residents are no exception, and several of our properties are fortunate enough to have thriving community gardens that provide fresh produce, community cohesion, and education for children about how plants grow.

Timbercreek Apartments in Omaha recently moved and expanded their garden to a new site on their property. This garden is very active and was supported by many resident volunteers with leadership from Resident Services staff. At our other Omaha property, Crestview Village, plots are given out on a first-come-first-serve basis, with all being claimed quickly. The original garden was a flower garden in honor of Sr. Vera O’Conner, which was rededicated as a food garden in 2015.

The residents of Francis Peak View Apartments in Kaysville, Utah will have increased access to food thanks to a grant from the CenturyLink Family & Work Development Fund. The grant helps to create more storage for fresh food and pantry items, as well as a much-needed upgrade of the community garden. This has been a huge improvement for the residents, many of whom don’t have cars and must travel at least four miles to the nearest food bank.