Transforming vacant city lots into lush gardens in Parramore

Last updated on May 01, 2023

The City of Orlando is working to expand its community gardens program. By converting vacant city lots into new urban and community gardens the city's Office of Sustainability and Resilience is addressing the need for both secure, fresh, affordable and culturally relevant, local food options and clean energy solutions in Parramore by creating a first-of-its-kind, solar-powered, hybrid educational urban farm and community garden on City-owned land in partnership with the Bank of America Foundation and Central Florida Foundation. 

On April 15, there was a community event held at the McQuigg Community Garden to build the raised beds to be used by the community residents. The event also included the building of two sheds on the property which will be used to store gardening and farming equipment. 

Part of the Green Works Community Action Plan, urban farms help to further the city's sustainability goal to ensure fair access to affordable, healthy food options within half a mile of every resident and increase local food assets. The new farm helps the city meet the goal of reducing the impact of food insecurity in underserved neighborhoods and allow residents greater access to nutritious food to improve quality of life.