Ventura, CA - Freedom Ranch is proud to announce the creation of eastern Ventura County’s first Community Garden Project, established to help feed the hungry in Ventura County. Freedom Ranch has set aside approximately ½ acre of farmland to create a community garden for the residents of eastern Ventura County. Freedom Ranch and the Community Garden Project site are located at 3543 E. Telegraph Rd., which is approximately 1 mile west of the community of Piru, California. On August 30th, 2011, the Foundation, in collaboration with Food Share, harvested its first crop of lettuces.

The goal of the Community Garden Project is to “feed the hungry” in Ventura County, by providing a locally sustainable food source for area residents, food pantries and charities. Local residents, schools and charitable organizations will be encouraged to participate in the Community Garden Project by planting and harvesting vegetables. The Community Garden Project will also encourage elderly or mobility challenged persons to participate in the Community Garden Project and will provide assistance if needed. Transportation to and from the Community Garden Project site is available through the “Vista” transportation system.

The Community Garden Project will have 10’x 20’ plots available for local residents, schools and charitable organizations to grow fresh vegetables. The Community Garden Project will primarily be funded by “The Foundation”, but donations to help offset cost of water, tools and equipment would be appreciated. Although a donation is not required, to participate in the Community Garden Project, community gardeners will be required to donate at least 10% of their harvest to a local food pantry (Food Share of Ventura County) or charity, to help “feed the hungry” in our area. A collection box will be kept at the Community Garden Project site and volunteers will deliver the donations to the local Food pantries for distribution.

“The Foundation” has already planted over 200 plants (corn, green beans, tomatoes, cantaloupes, lettuces and cucumbers) at the Community Garden Project site and in cooperation with Food Share of Ventura County, celebrated its first harvest of lettuces on August 30th. The remaining vegetables should be ready to harvest in mid September and will also be donated to Food Share, to help “feed the hungry” in our area.

If you would like more information about the community garden project or if you would like to participate (gardeners or volunteers) in the community garden project, you are invited to contact Freedom Ranch for more information.

Freedom Ranch and Community Garden Project
3543 E. Telegraph Rd.
Piru, CA, 93040
(805) 521-1577