Mission Statement: Our goal is to feed food insecure families in food deserts with a strong emphasis on the elderly and disabled.
Sunnyside-Blueridge Community Garden (S.B.C.G) is located in the Sunnyside community in the Third Ward in Houston, Texas. In July 2015, Sunnyside-Blueridge Community Garden was
declared by the I.R.S. to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The mission at that time for Sunnyside-Blueridge Community Garden was to be a resource to help the residents in the Sunnyside community find
food sources and fundraise money for land and equipment for its own garden.
Sunnyside-Blueridge Community Garden partnered with Right Choices Inc. a youth organization Sunnyside-Blueridge Community Garden and Right Choices Inc. are doing fundraisers and the garden will now be on a parcel of land owned by Right Choices Inc.
The Sunnyside community has a population of 27000. The unemployment rate is 29% the highest
in Houston, Texas.The average income is less than $25000.00. Many households are below
the poverty line. Between 2006 and 2016 theSunnyside community has lost more than
200 businesses. There is only one major grocery store left after another grocery store burned
to the ground. It is uncertain if the owners will rebuild. These two stores were the main source
for fresh vegetables and fruits. S.B.C.G. goal is to give the elderly and disabled residents free vegetables and fruits. All other residents will pay a small fee for their vegetables and fruits.
Unfortunately, the Sunnyside community has an overabundance of fast food restaurants, liquor stores and corner stores that have no fresh vegetables, fruits and meats. Since there is not an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits available to the residents of Sunnyside and fast food
is mostly consumed, along with alcohol heath issues are a major concern.The most commonly reported health conditions are high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Like many other nonprofits, the Covid-19 Pandemic has hurt donations to the Sunnyside-Blueridge Community Garden and Right Choices Inc. organizations. Donations and grants were rescinded by donors due to the pandemic. Funding for the construction of the garden was set at $35000.00. Sunnyside-Blueridge Community Garden and Right Choices Inc. has already put $7000.00 into the construction on the parcel of land. A fundraising campaign has been started on GoFund Me Charity for the remaining $28000.00.
Another major blow fell upon the residents of the Sunnyside community that occurred in late August. Jim’s Supermarket caught on fire and burned to the ground. Jim’s Supermarket was a source
where the residents of the Sunnyside community could get their fresh vegetables and fruits. No time table has been set on if or when the store will be rebuilt. So, there is an urgent need for donations to Sunnyside-Blueridge Community Garden so we can get the garden up and running as soon
as possible. Please go to our campaign at GoFund Me Charity.