A Gardener's Love Language: How Food Sharing Grows Stronger Military Communities

For military families, home is often temporary. With every new duty station comes the challenge of rebuilding—finding friendships, support systems, and a sense of belonging. Yet, amidst the frequent transitions, one constant remains: food has the power to connect us.

At Mission: Food Forest, we believe that sharing food is more than an act of generosity; it’s a love language that strengthens communities, fosters resilience, and nurtures well-being. From backyard gardens to thriving community plots, the simple act of growing and giving fresh produce has an impact far beyond what meets the eye.

Planting Seeds of Connection

For over a decade, I’ve built community and victory gardens at every military post my family has called home. What started as a passion for homegrown food quickly became something deeper—a way to connect with neighbors, spark conversations, and create spaces where people felt welcome.

The true power of food sharing became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. As uncertainty loomed, my children and I loaded up wagons with fresh garden produce and delivered it to neighboring military families. In a time of isolation, these simple offerings of cucumbers, tomatoes, and greens became more than nourishment—they were reminders that no one had to go through hard times alone.

Along this journey, I’ve been inspired by others who are making a profound impact through sustainable food initiatives. One such leader is Noah Curtis from Pineal, whose Pineal Trade Stations (see blog cover photo) have become a Kentucky sensation. His movement to use nature as a tool for planetary health is transforming communities, proving that local, regenerative practices can drive real change. Seeing people like Noah make waves in their regions reinforces the belief that small actions—whether planting a garden, sharing produce, or creating a trade station—can ripple outward and reshape the way we interact with food, nature, and each other.

View of a military family at their community garden plot filled with vegetables.

The Fort Knox Community Garden: A Testament to Food’s Power

In 2023, the Fort Knox Community Garden became a model for what food-sharing initiatives can achieve. Through partnerships and volunteer efforts, we:

• Grew and distributed over 225 pounds of fresh produce to military families.

• United 19 organizations in a shared mission of food security and sustainability.

• Raised over $10,000 in grants and physical contributions to support our work.

• Cultivated 47 different plant varieties, teaching others about biodiversity and nutrition.

• Logged over 821.5 volunteer hours, proving the power of collective action.

  
  

This garden was more than just a place to grow food—it was a hub of connection, learning, and healing.

Why Food Sharing Matters in Military Communities

Military life is unpredictable. Frequent moves, deployments, and separations create unique challenges for service members and their families. Community gardens offer more than fresh produce; they provide a sense of stability, purpose, and camaraderie.

Through food sharing, we:

✅ Strengthen bonds – A shared harvest brings people together, fostering friendships that might not have formed otherwise.

✅ Support well-being – Gardening and nutritious eating contribute to both physical and mental health.

✅ Promote sustainability – Growing food locally reduces waste, teaches valuable skills, and encourages environmental stewardship. ✅ Empower military families – Access to fresh, healthy food shouldn’t be a struggle. By growing together, we ensure no one is left behind.

View of community garden volunteers releasing butterflies at a pollinator garden made by Fort Knox girl scouts.

Beyond Gardening: Embracing Sustainable Food Harvesting

While community gardening is at the heart of Mission: Food Forest, our vision extends beyond the garden gate. We advocate for a holistic approach to food security, incorporating farming, beekeeping, hunting, and foraging as essential skills for self-sufficiency and sustainability.

🐝 Beekeeping – Healthy pollinators mean thriving crops. By supporting beekeeping initiatives, we encourage biodiversity, provide education on honey harvesting, and help sustain local ecosystems.

🌾 Farming & Regenerative Agriculture – Whether it’s small-scale homesteading or working with local farms, we promote sustainable farming techniques that enrich the soil, conserve water, and produce nutrient-dense food.

🦌 Hunting & Ethical Meat Harvesting – For military families stationed in rural areas, hunting can be a vital source of lean, organic protein. We advocate for ethical, responsible hunting practices that honor traditional skills and provide food security.

🌿 Foraging & Wild Harvesting – Many military families move to areas rich in edible native plants. By teaching safe and sustainable foraging, we help communities rediscover the abundance of wild foods growing in their own backyards.

By embracing these time-honored methods of food harvesting, we not only increase food security but also reconnect military families with the land in a meaningful way. Our goal is to empower communities with the knowledge and resources to feed themselves—no matter where the military takes them.

Expanding the Mission

The success at Fort Knox inspired something bigger—Mission: Food Forest. Our nonprofit is dedicated to ensuring that no military family has to start from scratch when creating a community garden or learning sustainable food skills. By providing resources, guidance, and a network of support, we aim to cultivate thriving food systems on military installations everywhere.

Whether it’s a backyard garden, a shared plot, or a large-scale community initiative, food has the power to heal, connect, and sustain us. If you’ve ever shared a basket of homegrown tomatoes with a neighbor, you understand—food is a love language that speaks to everyone.

Join us in planting seeds for a stronger, healthier military community. Together, we can grow something truly lasting.

Children sitting at a picnic table during the garden-to-table Fort Knox community garden picnic.

Get Involved

If you believe in the power of food to build stronger military communities, there are many ways to support Mission: Food Forest and help our initiatives grow:

🌱 Volunteer – Lend a hand in making sustainable food systems a reality! Help with community gardens, workshops, events, and more to support military communities in building self-sufficiency. Whether you have a green thumb or just a heart for service, your time and effort make a real impact.

🤝 Ambassador – Be the boots on the ground in your area! As an ambassador, you’ll connect military families with local food resources, organize events, and manage community outreach. This is a great opportunity to take an active role in strengthening your local military community through food security initiatives.

💰 Donate – Every contribution helps us grow more gardens, provide resources, and expand sustainability programs for military families. Your support fuels the mission! Whether it’s seeds, tools, or educational materials, your generosity ensures that military communities have access to fresh, healthy food.

🏡 Sponsor – Partner with us to fund community projects, provide supplies, or support educational programs that empower military communities to grow their own food and thrive sustainably. Whether you’re a business, organization, or individual passionate about food security, your sponsorship makes a lasting impact.

📣 Spread the Word – Follow us on social media, share our mission with friends and family, and help raise awareness about the importance of food security for military communities. The more people know about our work, the greater the impact we can make together.

🌿 Join the movement today! Visit www.missionfoodforest.com to learn more and take action.