The future isn’t written. It’s planted.
CommunityGro is a food and sustainability education network committed to making free fresh food accessible across Galesburg. We connect the gardens, orchards, blessing boxes, and grassroots efforts already doing the work, while building new hubs and offering hands-on workshops that empower residents to grow, cook, and share food. Our mission is long-term, community-rooted change driven by knowledge, dignity, and shared responsibility.
WHAT WE DO
Food & Sustainability Workshops
Free, hands-on workshops on gardening, composting, seed starting, cooking, preservation, and seasonal foodways. Taught by gardeners, chefs, Master Gardeners, orchard hosts, and community partners.
Garden & Orchard Network Support
We support independently run gardens and orchards by providing visibility, seasonal guidance, shared tools, and optional starter kits. CommunityGro helps connect these sites to neighbors who want to learn, volunteer, or harvest responsibly.
New Low-Barrier Food Hubs
When a neighborhood lacks access to fresh food, CommunityGro works with residents and partners to create new garden beds, produce hubs, pollinator gardens, or seasonal growing stations to fill the gap.
Urban Farm & Organizational Partnerships
We collaborate with local farms, schools, nonprofits, and community groups to strengthen food access, education, and seasonal programming across the city.
Blessing Box Connection
CommunityGro does not run the city’s blessing boxes. We uplift the stewards who do by sharing locations, promoting needs when requested, and helping neighbors find and use the boxes. Want to help by stewarding a box? Sign up here