Upcoming Events: 

Adult Gardening Workshops beggining in February--stay tuned for more information! 

Marketplace - Greenhouse Initiative 

Baxter's Greenhouse Initiative began in 2009 in response to the Health Department's food security assessment that declared the Baxter neighborhood a food dessert. The Greenhouse Initiative has two major goals: to provide community members with a readily available, affordable source of fresh produce, and to create programming that enhances nutrition, environmental awareness, community spirit, and professional development. 

The Greenhouse Initiative focuses on two branches of programming that work to increase food security and nutrition in our neighborhood, In the Garden and Around the Table. 

In the Garden 

* Beginning in February 2012, monthly gardening workshops will be offered for adults. Each month, practical tips for maintaining home or community gardens in that point of the season will be shared. Workshops are designed to offer both beginner and seasoned gardeners useful information and support. 

* In the spring, Baxter supplies seedlings from our greenhouse and garden start up supplies to backyard gardeners and community gardens 

*Each summer, Baxter hosts Youth Work Nights for early teens. Work nights focus on team building exercises and volunteer activities to help us maintain our garden. 

* Occasional Community Events (Strawberry Social, Tomato Festival, etc) 

Around the Table 

Our Around the Table cooking classes emphasize using produce from home gardens or farmers markets as the most healthful and affordable way to provide fresh foods to families. 

*In the spring and summer, seasonal cooking classes are offered for adults. These classes focus on preparing quick, easy, affordable family meals using produce in season. 

*In late summer and fall, food preservation classes are offered for adults. Class members learn the nutritional and financial benefits of preserving their own food through canning and freezing. 

*Occasional youth workshops are offered, such as strawberry freezer jam classes in the summer, "yuck" classes where students try new vegetables in a fun way, and classes teaching students how to make their own fresh, healthy snacks. 

Our Partners

*The YMCA of Grand Rapids has chosen Baxter Community Center as one of four Healthy Living Hubs. Through the Healthy Living Hub, additional classes for youth and adults surrounding nutrition and exercise are available. 

*Our Kitchen Table (OKT) is a grassroots organization that provides gardening mentors to begginer gardeners, among other things. Baxter and OKT collaborate on education and community outreach. 

*Other partners include Trillium Haven Farms ,Groundswell Community Supported Agriculture, Jubilee Jobs, and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.