Maroussi Municipal Community Vegetable Garden
Athens, Greece · Operator: Maroussi Municipality
Overview
Started by Maroussi Municipality in 2012 in response to Greece's economic crisis. Municipal land transformed into community vegetable gardens with 40 plots of 25 square meters each for vulnerable groups including unemployed, low-earners, low-pensioners, and single parents. Includes soil enrichment and water supply infrastructure. A pioneering model for community food security in post-crisis Greece.
Citizen participation
Community-managed gardens targeting unemployed, low-earners, and vulnerable social groups
Operating model
Public sector-supported community gardens for social care
Impact
Alleviation of food insecurity during economic crisis, improved food access for vulnerable populations, community building
Crops
- vegetables
- fruits
- herbs
Scale
1,000 m² — 40 plots of 25 square meters each for community members
Sources(2)
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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