Sonoma Ecology Center’s ‘Victory Garden’ giveaway

In World Wars 1 and II, the at-home Victory Garden was a way to secure scare food. Now, in the era of social distancing, the idea returns as a self-sufficient means of staying healthy — and staying out of the store.

To promote food security, the Sonoma Ecology Center will give away 300 “Victory Gardens” on Saturday, April 25, 10am to 1pm, at the Sonoma Plaza Horseshoe (drive-through).

Victory Gardens were first planted over a century ago to promote independence and healthy eating during wartime. The concept has returned this spring as the COVID-19 pandemic causes some stores to run out of fresh food and other provisions.

“(We) hope to bring back the Victory Garden tradition to Sonoma Valley as a way to promote local sustainability and resilience,” said SEC executive director and co-founder Richard Dale.

The plants are being cultivated for this purpose by Sonoma Valley’s Bee-Well Farms. On April 25, the Victory Garden starter packs will be made available to all Sonoma Valley residents on a first-come, first-served basis. (The location is to be determined.) Limited delivery is available for those unable to pick up.

For Sonoma Valley residents who don’t have space to plant a garden, Sonoma Ecology Center is also establishing a communal Victory Garden at Sonoma Garden Park, and will share the produce.