Community Gardens: Sustainable Solutions for Local Food Systems
The Academy at Glengary - Community Gardens
The iAmYes! Joyful Projects provided the startup materials, seeds, and labor for The Academy at Glengary, which supports its culinary training program that hosts and feeds other community organizations through a gleaning project. This culinary program is also part of the Transitional Employment (TE) program, aimed at fostering sustainable food systems. The Academy partners with high-profile local businesses to fill entry-level positions. We offer:
Quality, reliable personnel (our amazing members!)
A commitment to job coverage 100% of the time
Ongoing job coaching
TE positions are part-time and typically last between 6 and 9 months. Members work at the employer’s place of business and are paid the commensurate wage directly by the employer. These TE positions are entry-level jobs that provide a valuable first step back into the workforce.
The Temple Emanu-EL Community Gardens
After Steve had his emergency stent procedure, he contacted Rabbi Brenner Glickman of Temple Emanu-EL and suggested that a "Year of Healthy Living" might be the Rosh Hashanah theme. This initiative significantly advanced the community garden project for the Temple, which also aligns with their gleaning project aimed at promoting sustainable food systems. Since 2019, Temple members have enjoyed celebrating the holiday of TuB'Shvat (holiday of the trees) at the Weinberger home. Activities have included harvesting tomatoes, a potluck, a mezuzah hanging to bless the garden, and a Havdalah service (welcoming the new week). Families chose their boxes, and Steve was instrumental in assisting with planting and caring for the growing vegetables. A special thanks and salute to Master Gardener, Fred Thibeau.
Booker Elementary School
Since Amy and Steve have relocated to Costa Rica, they dismantled their beautiful 45 boxes of gardens and donated all of the tools and seeds to the creation of the community garden at Booker Elementary School. This initiative supports a gleaning project aimed at teaching students how to grow, care for, and cultivate their own nutritious food systems.
Transitions Sarasota Gleaning Project
Transition Sarasota is a non-profit organization within the larger Transition US movement, dedicated to creating community-driven solutions for sustainable food systems in our local area.
Our vision encompasses a sustainable, just, and thriving local food system. We take pride in serving Sarasota, Manatee Counties, and nearby regions, championing local growing, sourcing, and economic benefit.
Each year, Amy and Steve participate in the gleaning project, which involves the hard work of harvesting food. One of Steve's favorite statements emphasizes the importance of this work: "All locals should participate in gleaning to better understand where their food comes from and the efforts and energies required to harvest it."