The American people have always depended on local farmers and gardeners for healthy food and a flourishing environment. Gardens unite communities, provide good food, sequester carbon, and preserve traditional skills. But today, the basic skills and culture of gardening are in decline--even as the need for them grows.
In the face of national need, our ancestors planted "Victory Gardens" to supplement their food supply and unite as a nation. Our day calls for a new kind of victory--cultural and environmental--and the garden is a peaceful battlefield.
We call on the administration to consider a federal program to promote sustainable "Victory Gardening" in a national effort to encourage Americans to preserve their rich gardening heritage, produce healthy food, and combat climate change.