Duckworth and Matsui Join Forces to Reduce Hunger and Improve Health Through Community Gardening

Statement

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08), whose family relied on food stamps in her youth, and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) are joining forces to reduce hunger and improve health around the country by promoting community gardens and the positive impacts they have on local communities. The two Congresswomen this week introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate a National Community Gardening Awareness Week to support the gardens nationwide.

"Community gardens help build healthy futures," said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. "Urban agriculture increases access to nutritional foods and reduces hunger, while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. By designating a National Community Gardening Awareness Week, we have an opportunity to increase awareness about the benefits of integrating these important spaces into our urban centers."

"Community gardens are an important, but too often overlooked, asset for communities that help people around the country lead better, healthier lives," said Duckworth. "Americans of all backgrounds benefit from the shared sense of community these gardens foster and the positive impacts they have on nearby residents, including reducing hunger and improving access to healthy, nutritious foods. We should support and encourage their expansion throughout our nation."

If enacted, the new National Community Gardening Awareness Week would recognize and support the impact community gardens have on their communities: increasing access to fresh and healthy produce, helping reduce hunger and sustain local food banks, creating a more livable environment and improving resident quality of life.

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