Community, connection, and food justice are blooming right here in Columbus
This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Jera and the incredible work of The Growing & Growth Collective (GGC), a grassroots organization committed to transforming urban green spaces into hubs of nourishment, healing, and empowerment.
Founded in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, The Growing & Growth Collective was born from a shared vision: to reclaim and preserve urban land, create welcoming, accessible green spaces, and strengthen communities through food sovereignty and education. What began as a response to a time of uncertainty has grown into a movement rooted in justice, joy, and sustainability.
Across Columbus, Jera and GGC are building community gardens that do so much more than grow food. These vibrant spaces offer free, fresh produce, host family events, nutrition classes, and serve as healing environments where people can gather, learn, and feel seen.
Their mission goes beyond planting seeds — it’s about cultivating deeper connections to the land, to each other, and the power within our communities.
