The Riviera Beach Community Development Corporation (RBCDC) supports a robust community garden program since 2015, primarily located in LMI areas, areas of high food insecurity and/or food deserts. These areas are especially vulnerable to outside stresses. Additionally, at the onset of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic and few restrictions, we are as a nation experiencing growing food insecurity. Residents have limited access to fresh, wholesome food; grocery shelves are often bare of even essentials, including meat, milk, bread, and fresh produce. 

BB&T helped provide with its Lighthouse Project Grant of $2,500 to the RBCDC, an expansion to our gardening outreach to include the Sow and Grow Project, called the “Gardenista” program. The program was able to assist thirty-five families (120 people) with acquiring supplies to create a large raised bed garden with enriched soil for the planting of the seeds and seedlings given to them. This allows these families to learn how easy it to grow your own vegetables and how forgiving some things like tomatoes, lettuces, and pepper are. You will be amazed by how much fun gardening can be, and the pride you take in sharing healthy food nurtured by your own efforts. At home gardening helps people develop more of an interest in learning about their food choices, and how to prepare fresh, healthy food at home.

The Riviera Beach CDC operates within the redevelopment area of Riviera Beach as established by the City Council and the City of Riviera Beach to acquire, rehabilitate, and operate affordable housing for families of modest means and the elderly to live safely and in sanitary conditions. The CDC provides investment capital to low-income communities and individuals and engages in other community development for the purposes of community and neighborhood improvement and increases economic development via increased sustainable business and jobs. For more information, visit rivierabeachcdc.org.