Fall Planting Day

On Saturday, Sept. 15, the International Rescue Committee in Tucson and the Community Gardens of Tucson hosted Fall Planting Day, an opportunity for refugees from some of the world’s worst conflict zones to learn about winter gardening and come together with other refugees who are growing their own gardens.

Photo: Emily Coyle/IRC

Fall Planting Day was a celebration of the IRC’s New Roots program in Tucson. New Roots is focused on connecting refugees with community gardening opportunities, improving refugees’ nutritional and health choices, and increasing agricultural employment opportunities for refugees. The IRC in Tucson and the Community Gardens of Tucson have partnered to provide more than four dozen refugee families in Tucson access to their own garden plots to manage at no cost to the families.

“We’re grateful for the partnership with the Community Gardens of Tucson and for their support of refugees in our community,” said Aaron Grigg, who oversees the New Roots program in Tucson. “Gardening gives our clients a chance to not only grow their own healthy fruits and vegetables, but it is also incredibly therapeutic – especially for people who have lived through war and trauma.”

During the Fall Planting Day, refugees received hands-on instruction on how to best grow fruits and vegetables and a special presentation on how to grow a successful garden in the Tucson winter. The gardens not only provide families nutritious, fresh produce, but also an opportunity for many who farmed in their home countries to reconnect with their agricultural roots. Learn more about our New Roots program and how you can help!

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