by Madison Wheeler, reporter
OMAHA – Community gardens provide garden plots for rent, for people who might not be able to grow their own food elsewhere.
In 2010, Kurt Goetzinger bought the lot next to his house, and used it to create Benson Community Garden. The garden provides tools and water for those that rent garden plots.
Krista Moraczewski started gardening at Benson Community Gardens in 2015, and started brining her son along this year.
“I live in an apartment,” Moraczewski said, “And it doesn’t really give me the opportunity to grow in my own little spot.”
Most people who join community gardens live in apartments, like Moraczewski, rent a home, or have a yard not suited to gardening.
Gardeners at the Benson Community Garden also have access to fruit trees, berries and a grape vine.
Community gardens often try to give back to their communities in ways besides providing land. Goetzinger said they provide a place that gives “that sense of community.”
Benson Community Gardens has a small food pantry that people can donate or take nonperishable foods from.
They also have a stage, where they hold concerts or screen movies for the people in the area. “We’ve had some amazing local musicians play here,” Goetzinger said.
