Green Village Initiative Inc.

Green Village Initiative Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to urban agriculture and creating a more just food system in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Founded in 2011, the organization initially operated in Westport, CT, but by 2015, it had shifted its focus to Bridgeport.

Mission and Programs

The mission of Green Village Initiative (GVI) is to grow food, knowledge, leadership, and community through urban gardening and farming. This is achieved by supporting a network of community-run gardens, operating an educational urban farm known as Reservoir Community Farm, and implementing a Youth Leadership program. The organization aims to address systemic inequities that contribute to poverty and hunger by ensuring access to healthy, locally grown foods for all residents.

Key Programs:

• Community Gardens: GVI supports a network of community-run gardens across Bridgeport.
• Reservoir Community Farm: This serves as an educational urban farm, offering training and educational opportunities.
• Youth Leadership Program: This program employs youth during the summer and provides educational activities throughout the year.
• Food Justice Framework: GVI has developed a framework for integrating food justice and racial equity into organizational practices.

History and Evolution

In its early years, GVI was volunteer-run, but it transitioned to paid staff in 2015. This change was accompanied by a shift in leadership and a renewed focus on racial equity and antiracism. The organization faced significant challenges when its lease for Reservoir Community Farm was threatened, but community support helped secure a new lease. By 2024, GVI had begun transitioning ownership and responsibilities to community garden captains and establishing new partnerships to continue supporting youth education and leadership.

Challenges and Achievements

The organization has made significant strides in promoting food justice, managing over 20 school gardens and numerous community gardens, and fostering a grassroots movement of urban growers. Despite facing challenges such as lease renewals and organizational restructuring, GVI has maintained its commitment to its mission, engaging the community through education and community events.

Financial and Legal Status

Green Village Initiative Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, with donations being tax-deductible. The organization relies on grants and donations to continue its work in creating a more just food system in Bridgeport.

[1] https://www.brandeis.edu/programs/environmental/imagesdocs/earthnotes%20072216/School%20and%20Community%20Gardens%20Program%20Manager.pdf [2] https://www.gogvi.org [3] https://www.gogvi.org/gvi24 [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/27-1439954 [5] https://www.gogvi.org/for-growers