Fresh food uniting New Bohemia

Tragedy has a way of bringing strangers together to form new alliances. Our community experienced this four years ago during the flood that devastated many of the neighborhoods of Cedar Rapids. A new sense of community rose from the sludge as a Phoenix rises from ashes. New projects rise in areas that were too poor before the flood to remodel. One example of this is the area now known as New Bohemia.

The year-round farmers market is starting to resemble the plan dreamed of by community developers. Putting fresh produce on the table is one way many residents are taking control of their health. Knowing the origins of the food, knowing it is chemical free and meeting the individuals who had a hand in nurturing that produce creates a tighter-knit community. Another way to continue building bridges of communication in our community is to encourage neighborhood gardens.

Vegetables, fruits and edible greens can easily be incorporated into an existing lawn. With companion gardening, the need for pesticides and other chemical additives is lessened. The only thing needed to change lawns into edible gardens is an open mind.

Naomi Lane

Cedar Rapids