Empowering Change: How Rockford NAACP is Transforming Food Deserts into Thriving Community Gardens

ROCKFORD, Ill. – George Scott, president of the local NAACP branch, is launching an exciting initiative to tackle food deserts in Rockford’s west and south sides. He believes that the solution is simple: grow food where it’s needed most.

Scott states, “Right now, we’re pushing to get as many gardens in the city as possible.” He explains that fresh produce can be hard to find for people living far from grocery stores. His vision is to plant gardens in neighborhoods, allowing residents—especially mothers—to pick greens or tomatoes for their meals.

Recently, the NAACP opened several gardens. One is near S. Avon and Elm streets, with another further north on Elm. These gardens not only provide fresh food, but they also offer relief from rising grocery prices.

Scott warns that things may get worse due to economic pressures and tariffs, making this initiative even more important. “We anticipate challenges ahead,” he says.

Emmanuel Oteng-Bediako, an NAACP member, supports Scott’s vision. “Producing food makes life more meaningful,” he explains. It fosters community bonding and has the potential to inspire peace, especially among younger residents. Oteng-Bediako also hopes for collaborations with schools, where children can learn biology while tending to the gardens.

However, he cautions that community gardens won’t fully replace grocery stores. “They’ll be supplementary,” he notes.

In the same spirit, Dee Valentino, executive director of Jeremiah Development, shares her enthusiasm. She runs a neighborhood garden that welcomes everyone during the growing season. This garden has 32 raised beds filled with various vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and spinach. Open since 2010, it was funded by a small grant and costs around $1,500 annually to maintain.

“There’s a clear need for gardens here,” Valentino emphasizes, noting that her garden is the only handicap-accessible one in the area. She hopes the new NAACP gardens will also be inclusive, inviting everyone in the community.

Oteng-Bediako indicates that the next steps involve creating plans and resources, organizing meetings, and building community support. Each garden plot is expected to cost between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on its size. The team hopes to secure grants from the City of Rockford to help cover these costs.

Overall, the initiative not only aims to combat food insecurity but also to bring people together. Community gardens could become valuable spaces for growing produce and nurturing relationships along the way.



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