At Growing Places (GP), we believe in the power of gardening to improve lives. We help low-income individuals, families, and communities in North Central Massachusetts realize the many health, economic, and social benefits of growing their own produce by building food gardens and teaching the skills to maintain them.GP uses gardening as a platform for social change. We work side-by-side with low- income gardeners, volunteers and partners to learn and build each other’s capacity to grow, harvest and use fresh produce.Growing Places (GP) was founded in 2001 in response to the high levels of poverty, hunger, food insecurity, health problems, such as obesity and diabetes, and limited access to fresh and healthy food among low-income populations in North Central MA . Our work responds directly to the high demand from low-income people to learn how to grow their own food as a means to increase access for them and their families to fresh, healthy food; to create a healthy diet and exercise for their children and themselves, and; to build social connections in their community. Our programs are grounded in evidence-based research and best practices which confirm that gardening can contribute to: the mental and physical health and well being of individuals and families; the development of social relationships and connections that can lead to more vibrant communities; and the creation of a socially-just food system .