An Ecosystem in a Parking Lot?

Jul 19, 2011 | The Wire

Devorah Brous (center) discusses gardening techniques with Fed staffer Jenna Fields.

Believe it or not, it is possible for living things to sprout and thrive in a "concrete jungle." Just ask Devorah Brous, Certified Master Gardener and Coordinator of Netiya, a network of Jewish institutions and community members who strive to tackle hunger in Los Angeles. On July 14th, Devorah visited Brindell's Garden, which resides in the parking lot of The Jewish Federation, in order to chat with Federation staffers about the relationship between Jewish values, sustainable food production and the growing hunger crisis in Los Angeles and the U.S.

Brindell's Garden, named for Federation supporter Brindell Gottlieb, is an example of what Netiya terms a "Just Garden," the use of an institutional landscape (like a parking lot) to grow food that will go to help those in our community who are hungry. Devorah explained how the Federation's garden is fortunate to have three levels: a base level comprised of small plants like strawberry plants and herbs; a higher level of taller plants, like tomatoes, which provide shade and nutrients to the ones below, and a third level of trees adjacent to the garden, which provide even more shade and nutrients. We have a living, food-producing eco-system on Federation property that will not only allow us to share our harvest with those in need, but even help offset the CO2 from our car exhaust!

Federation's hunger work, in addition to growing food in our own garden, includes reducing the barriers to food stamp enrollment, working with our community partners to change food assistance policy, and educating communities about the burden of hunger on our neighbors and how we can all do our part to help. Netiya provides a platform for LA's nonprofit organizations, foodies, gardeners, farmers, students, educators, and rabbis to grow food, engage in collaborative food justice action, and build alliances in the new Jewish food movement. Last year, the Federation and Netiya formed a partnership in which we strive to help the 1.7 million L.A. County residents facing hunger or lack of proper nutrition and access to fresh and healthy food every day.

Want to help address hunger? Find out how you can get involved »

More photos on Netiya's Facebook page.