Garden Joy — a Ripon-based non-profit — is joining forces with Urban Green Project to establish a series of community gardens in Manteca.
The Ripon organization is providing fiduciary oversight for Urban Green Project while it works to obtain its 501(c)(3) status.
As such, the parentship will allow Urban Green Project to move forward with its vision to “transform urban landscapes into sustainable and vibrant spaces that foster education, community engagement, mental wellbeing, and agricultural research.”
"We are thrilled to join forces with Garden Joy through this fiscal sponsorship, which provides Urban Green Project with the vital support needed to bring our vision to life," said Sarah Miller, President of Urban Green Project.
Miller is experienced in creating gardens, landscaping and specializes in native plants suited for local communities.
"By collaborating with Garden Joy, we can accelerate our efforts in creating flourishing community gardens that enrich the lives of individuals, strengthen community bonds, and contribute to the sustainable development of our region."
Among those behind the effort is local resident Dr. Rajnish Khanna, the founder and Chief Executive of i-Cultiver, Inc. It is a consortium of multidisciplinary professionals working together to improve agriculture, nutrition and conservation through advanced research and easy to use technology.
He has also worked as a research scientist on the private sector currently with the Carnegie Institution for Science at Stanford University among other endeavors.
Garden Joy was founded in 2016 to cultivate wellness and community through a hands-on garden program.
The organization conducts a children’s gardening program as well as tends to one acre public garden on Main Street in Ripon in partnership with Studio Joy.
Garden Jay donates more than 2,000 pounds of organic produce to the Ripon community.
Establishing a community garden was one of the goals the Millennial Advisory Committee in 2021 recommended the City of Manteca pursue.
At the time, the city had indicated a community garden could go at the Civic Center complex between the senior center and recreation office. Other locations that have been suggested included a parcel adjacent to the Atherton Drive and Woodward Avenue fire station the city owns as well as a parcel that the Second Harvest Food Bank owns.
The advisory group believed Manteca needed an opportunity for people to grow food to benefit themselves and others working in a community garden or even growing fresh produce for those experiencing food insecurity in the community.
Urban Green Project aims to cultivate multiple community gardens throughout Manteca, where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can connect with nature, learn about sustainable practices, and actively participate in fostering greener, healthier communities.
By leveraging Garden Joy's extensive experience and administrative support, Urban Green Project will be empowered to further their efforts in establishing and maintaining these essential green spaces.
The community gardens established by Urban Green Project will serve as multifunctional hubs, offering a range of programs and initiatives designed to benefit the local community.
These include educational programs to teach sustainable gardening techniques, workshops on urban agriculture, community engagement events, mental health programs that utilize the healing power of nature, and local agricultural research initiatives.
By integrating these diverse elements, Urban Green Project strives to create an inclusive environment that fosters growth, learning, and well-being.
Garden Joy, as the fiscal sponsor, has successfully cultivated a thriving community garden and countless nutrition based educational programs extending throughout the year.
In addition to their community garden, Garden Joy is renowned for their successful Farmers Market, the "Ripon Farmers Market." Held on Thursdays starting at 5 p.m. from May to September, the Ripon Farmers Market at 9239 West Main Street in Ripon has become a well-attended community event that showcases local farmers, artisans, and vendors.
All proceeds from the market go towards sustainably funding Garden Joy’s projects year-round, enabling the organization to continue its mission and support initiatives like Urban Green Project.
"We are excited to welcome Urban Green Project into our fiscal sponsorship program and support their ambitious endeavors in building community gardens," said Sarah Darpinian, Executive Director of Garden Joy.
"Together, we can create a lasting impact by promoting education, sustainability, healthy eating and enhancing the overall well-being of our community. The Ripon Farmers Market exemplifies our commitment to community engagement and empowering our community space. We hope our fiscal sponsorship will help Urban Green Project build community spaces like ours in more areas throughout the Central Valley.”
For more information about Urban Green Project and their initiatives, please visit UrbanGreenProject.org or contact Sarah.
For inquiries about Garden Joy, their fiscal sponsorship program, and the Ripon Farmers Market, please visit GardenJoyCa.com Miller at hello@urbangreenproject.org.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabullen.com
