Brown, Plaskett, and Carey Reintroduce Thriving Community Gardens Act

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL)and Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15) have reintroduced the Thriving Community Gardens Act, bipartisan legislation to expand educational opportunities for students related to gardening and agriculture and support local gardens. Brown serves as Vice Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee.  

The Thriving Community Gardens Act would allow local educational agencies (LEAs) to use Department of Education Student Success and Academic Enrichment Grants to develop and operate community gardens. The Thriving Community Gardens Act also directs the Department of Education to gather information from LEAs operating existing community gardens and publish best practices. Last year, Congresswoman Brown and USDA officials visited the Ben Franklin Community Garden in Cleveland to see firsthand how a school garden is being used to support educational programs for students. 

“Planting seeds isn’t just a metaphor, it’s a way for students to learn about ecology, biology, and nutrition. The Thriving Community Gardens Act supports experiential learning, helps get students off screens and outside, and boosts community gardens that can bring neighborhoods together. I am proud to reintroduce the Thriving Community Gardens Act with Congresswoman Plaskett and Congressman Carey and continuing to help more young people learn about agriculture, gardening, and ecology,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.  

"I am proud to rejoin my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Shontel Brown, as a co-lead of the Thriving Community Gardens Act," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "This legislation would create vital pathways to strengthen local food systems while promoting nutrition education and addressing food insecurity in our communities. From my early days on the Agriculture Committee, I’ve seen that community gardens offer far more than just healthy food options for students—they cultivate essential life skills, foster environmental awareness, provide mental health benefits, and create avenues to countless opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom."

"I'm proud to partner with my good friend, Rep. Shontel Brown, on legislation aimed at inspiring our communities to grow their own food and learn new skills in the process," Congressman Carey said. "Community gardens are a wonderful way to bring people together by fostering healthy, self-sustaining habits."

The legislation was first introduced by Congresswoman Brown during the 117^th Congress.