Necessity is the mother of invention. During WWI and WWII the necessity for food due to shortages from the war effort compelled the Department of Agriculture to promote "Victory Gardens", asking American citizens to use their backyards, rooftops, and empty lots to be converted to self-sustaining community gardens in an attempt to resolve the food shortage problem. Indeed it did as up to 20 million Americans participated, growing 40% of consumed produce.
We have to wonder have we reached this point again? Perhaps our "war" has manifested itself into a war on global food shortage and "victory" as the resolution.
Many communities are already calling for a Victory Garden revival. Not uncharacteristically a city funded pilot project in San Francisco named Victory Garden 2008+ supports the transition of backyard, frontyard, window boxes, rooftops, and unused land into organic food production areas. The project calls for the redefining of "Victory" in the pressing context of urban sustainability. "Victory" is growing food at home for increased food security and reducing the travel miles associated with the average American meal.
Through a revival of the Victory Garden, its possible to also revive community, as well as the pride of contribution.
