Grady's Garden

Grady's Garden, an urban greenhouse, opened at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) in 2018. Students, faculty, and staff worked together to create Grady's Garden on a little-used plot of land at CCP. The goal was to help students learn to grow and choose healthy foods and to learn about sustainability and self-sufficiency. As plans were being made for the greenhouse, students started a horticulture club and faculty incorporated lessons on food access and sustainability into courses. Since Grady's Garden opened, it has become a hub for events and food-related activities, including cooking demonstrations, food giveaways, instructions on creating gardens, opportunities to learn about benefits like SNAP, and more. Many students at CCP are food insecure and live in neighborhoods that are food deserts, so Grady's Garden as well as the college’s food pantry add to student support. Grady's Garden has become an important part of our community.

Innovator: Jenavia Weaver