Grow and Give
Small Gardens. Big Community Impact.
A grassroots movement helping everyday people grow food in small spaces, share what they grow, and strengthen their communities — one garden at a time.
What Is a Community Farm?
A community farm is a shared growing space where people come together to grow food for themselves and for others. It is not a large commercial operation. It is run by neighbors, volunteers, churches, schools, and everyday people who believe that growing food together matters.
Community farms exist in backyards, empty lots, church grounds, school campuses, rooftops, balconies, and small plots of land. What defines them is not their size — it is their purpose. They exist to feed people, educate communities, build relationships, and strengthen local food resilience.
When a community grows its own food, it becomes less dependent on distant supply chains. It builds knowledge. It builds trust. And it builds a more resilient neighborhood.
About Cooling Water Community Farms
Cooling Water Community Farms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization built around one core belief — communities should have real control over their own food access.
We focus on food education, decentralized growing systems, seed preservation, and community resilience. We believe that a neighborhood with the knowledge and resources to grow its own food is a stronger, healthier, and more self-sufficient neighborhood.
We are not waiting for a large institution to solve the food access problem. We are building a practical, people-powered system where everyday growers, volunteers, schools, churches, and partner organizations work together to make fresh food available to people who need it most.
The Grow and Give Program
A decentralized community growing network where people grow food in whatever space they have available and donate at least half of what they grow to vulnerable populations and organizations addressing food insecurity.
Getting fresh produce to seniors, veterans, low-income families, shelters, and food-insecure households.
Neighbors, schools, churches, volunteers, and local organizations growing and sharing together.
Teaching gardening, seed saving, composting, sustainability, and local food systems to all ages.
Growing without synthetic pesticides or herbicides. Supporting soil health, pollinators, and biodiversity.
Saving and sharing seeds to preserve local genetics and strengthen future growing capacity.
Building decentralized food systems so communities can respond when supply chains fail.
How Grow and Give Works
Grow in Whatever Space You Have
You do not need a large farm. A backyard, balcony, patio, raised bed, grow bag, or container garden qualifies. The program supports growers of every size and experience level.
Follow Sustainable Growing Standards
Official Grow and Give sites use no synthetic pesticides or herbicides. We grow in ways that protect pollinators, build soil health, and support long-term ecological wellbeing.
Donate at Least Half of What You Grow
Participants donate at least half of their harvest to vulnerable populations through food pantries, shelters, churches, community kitchens, and partner organizations.
Document and Report Your Progress
Growers log harvests, donations, volunteer hours, and observations. This data helps prove impact, secure funding, and improve over time.
Save Seeds and Share Knowledge
When possible, save seeds from healthy plants and share what you learn. This builds future growing capacity and preserves local genetics.
Help the Network Grow
Each grower who joins makes the network stronger. Share the program with neighbors, churches, schools, and organizations who might want to participate.
Food Access Is a Community Issue
Millions of Americans live in food deserts where fresh, affordable produce is difficult or impossible to access. The Grow and Give Program does not wait for a large institution to solve this. It builds a decentralized system where many small gardens create a community-wide food safety net.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
The Pilot Garden
The Grow and Give Program is currently in its pilot phase, operating in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Everything learned here will be used to build a replication kit that other communities, churches, schools, and organizations can use to launch their own Grow and Give efforts.
Pilot Garden Details
- Location: Gwinnett County, Georgia
- Garden size: 10 ft x 18 ft protected growing area
- Main bed: 4 ft x 12 ft center bed
- Primary crop: Georgia Southern collards
- Companion plants: onions, garlic, dill, cilantro, marigolds, nasturtiums
- Growing method: Direct seed, no transplants
- Seed saving built into the growing plan from the start
How You Can Participate
You do not need a large farm, a big budget, or years of experience. You need a willingness to grow, share, and show up for your community.
Ready to Grow Something That Matters?
You don't need a large farm or years of experience. Just a willingness to grow, share, and show up for your community.
Sign Up to Volunteer →Sign Up to Volunteer
Whether you have a small backyard, a balcony container garden, or just a few hours a month — there is a place for you in the Grow and Give Program. Fill out the form and a coordinator will be in touch.
Get guidance on growing, seed saving, and sustainable practices — no experience needed.
Receive seeds, growing materials, and support from the CWCF network to get started.
Join a network of growers, volunteers, and community partners making a real difference.
Every harvest donated goes directly to seniors, veterans, families, and shelters in your area.