Community Gardens

The New Roots Community Gardening Program supports approximately 120 refugee and new American families annually—equating to about 800 individuals—by securing access to garden plots throughout Salt Lake County and developing new gardens in areas with the greatest need. Through partnerships with organizations such as Wasatch Community Gardens, Promise South Salt Lake, the City of Millcreek, Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility, and Salt Lake County, New Roots provides garden access at 12 community gardens across Salt Lake County.

Participants receive culturally appropriate seeds and seedlings—such as molokhia, gandana, Thai chilis, African eggplant, bitter melon, bottle gourds, and solanum—along with guidance on Utah-specific gardening practices. These crops, which are often difficult to source in local grocery stores, help families grow an abundant supply of nutritious, familiar food that supplements their household diets.

In addition to promoting food security, the program fosters community connection and cultural exchange by bringing gardeners together to share agricultural knowledge and build relationships.