Grass Valley, CA — Interfaith Food Ministry (IFM) and Sierra Harvest are asking the community to help shape an expanded community garden at DeVere Mautino Park. This initiative aims to prioritize growing food for local residents, environmental sustainability, and building community. The voices of local residents are essential to its success.

A Vision for Community Food

In June 2024 the City of Grass Valley awarded $60,000 to Interfaith Food Ministry and Sierra Harvest to investigate the opportunity to develop a ‘Food Campus’ and its potential to be located in portions of DeVere Mautino Park. This project includes a community and educational garden, a food forest with a small event and workshop space, and a compost demonstration project. Individuals and families of all ages can come together to share the garden and food forest, learn how to grow food, and participate in events, workshops, and gatherings hosted by local organizations working to support community vitality and resilience.

Proposed Elements of the Food Campus

  • Food Forest: IFM is planning to increase its production of locally grown food, enhancing its ability to provide nutritious food to the 10,000 residents who rely on its free distributions annually. The food forest will also create opportunities for volunteerism and hands-on learning.
  • Composting Demonstration Site: IFM is exploring the development of a small-scale composting facility. This site would recycle food waste from local businesses, build rich soil for food production, and teach residents how to compost at home, reducing food waste and benefiting the environment.
  • Educational Farm & Community Garden: Sierra Harvest is considering expanding its popular Food Love Farm to a more central and accessible location and building on its history of providing classes, summer camp, and u-pick gardens in Western Nevada County.

Community engagement is at the heart of this initiative. Both organizations invite community members to share their ideas and concerns at the upcoming community listening sessions or through a survey at the link below. The deadline to provide feedback is January 31, 2025.

How to Get Involved

Residents and community organizations are invited to:

  1. Complete a Survey: Share your thoughts and priorities through an online survey at gvfoodcampus.org
  • Attend Listening Sessions: Join community discussions to learn more about the project and provide feedback. RSVP at gvfoodcampus.org

Located at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945:

  • Wed, 1/15, 5:30-7:30pm for community members
    • Thurs, 1/16, 5:30-7:30pm for potential partner organizations/service clubs/non-profits
    • Sat, 1/18, 3-5pm for community members

“…People are hungry for more than just food, and many folks are eager to learn and engage in ways that benefit themselves and the community,” says Phil Alonso, Executive Director at Interfaith Food Ministry. “Your voice is vital to making this vision a reality. Together, we can build a food campus that feeds, educates, and inspires the community for generations to come.”

For more information, visit gvfoodcampus.org or contact the organizations below:

Interfaith Food Ministry info@interfaithfoodministry.org or 530-273-8132

Sierra Harvest info@sierraharvest.org or 530-265-2343

About Interfaith Food Ministry: Interfaith Food Ministry provides nutritious food to those experiencing food insecurity in Nevada County, serving over 10,000 residents annually.

About Sierra Harvest: Sierra Harvest is dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening community through fresh, local, and sustainable food.