March 2026 | Community Programs
The Community Garden Project empowers refugee families by providing access to garden plots where they can grow fresh, healthy produce while reconnecting with their agricultural heritage. For many refugees who come from farming backgrounds, this program offers not just food security, but a powerful connection to their roots and a path toward self-sufficiency.
A Successful Pilot Program
In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and CAC Beardsley Community Farm, SODELA launched a pilot program that has already shown remarkable results. Through a grant from Second Harvest, we were able to support five refugee families who cultivated their own garden plots at Beardsley Farm.
These families received everything they needed to succeed: seeds, gardening tools, dedicated plot space, and ongoing guidance from experienced gardeners. The result? An abundant harvest of fresh, healthy produce grown by the very hands of our refugee community members.
From Garden to Community
What makes this program truly special is its ripple effect throughout the community. The produce grown by our five pilot families wasn’t just for their own tables—SODELA purchased their harvest and distributed it to other refugee families in need through our community distribution network.
This model creates a beautiful cycle of empowerment:
- Refugee farmers gain income, skills, and purpose
- Refugee families receive fresh, culturally familiar produce
- The community grows stronger through shared resources and connections
More Than Just Food
The benefits of the Community Garden Project extend far beyond nutrition. For participants, working the land provides:
- Physical well-being through outdoor activity and exercise
- Mental health benefits from connecting with nature and productive work
- Cultural preservation by growing familiar crops from their home countries
- Community building as families work alongside each other and share knowledge
- Economic opportunity through the sale of their produce
Looking Ahead
The success of last year’s pilot program has inspired us to expand the Community Garden Project. With continued support from our partners at Second Harvest and CAC Beardsley Farm, we aim to include more refugee families in the coming growing season.
This is an ongoing initiative that will continue to grow—quite literally—as we work together to build food security and self-sufficiency within our refugee community.
Get Involved
Want to support the Community Garden Project? There are many ways to help:
- Donate gardening supplies or seeds
- Volunteer your time and gardening expertise
- Contribute financially to help us expand the program
- Partner with us as an organization
Contact us at info@sodela.org or call (865) 309-9588 to learn more about how you can be part of growing hope in our community.
Our Partners
This program is made possible through the generous support of Second Harvest Food Bank and CAC Beardsley Community Farm.