There are many opportunities for additional community gardens throughout Oregon, especially in cities where people tend not to have back yards. Available land could include unused property at churches, schools, or vacant lots. Besides the obvious benefit of growing healthy food, community gardens help to grow Community - the getting to know each other, working together and sharing of ideas. When people get to know each other in one context ( ie gardening) they are more comfortable talking to each other about other ideas. There is sharing - of knowledge as well as produce, and this can lead to working together on bigger issues that face our communities. Llike a seed, ideas can start out small but grow into something wonderful. Community gardens were known as Victory Gardens during WWII -- they can help us become victorious again as we recover economically from the recession, grow toward more sustainable approaches to city life, strengthen our sense of community and promote wise stewardship of otherwise underutilized land. Food people have grown themselves really does taste better, and that can benefit our community as people make healthier choices leading to longer, more productive lives.