Rooting for Andover is a non-profit organisation that connects people to nature and local food. Through hands-on education, children and adults can learn gardening, how to produce fruit and vegetables, healthy eating and to care for natural areas. Founded in Andover in 2021 during the Covid-19 outbreak we support diverse communities around Andover.
Vision
For people to create and sustain healthy communities by growing food and caring for nature within their urban environments.
Values
At Rooting for Andover, we pursue our mission guided by the following core values:
Our strength comes from welcoming diverse experiences, cultures and points of view, and from respecting the integrity of the natural world.
To co-create community gardens that will serve as vibrant and exciting community hubs, promoting social cohesion, community spirit and sustainability, thereby engendering optimism in our town.
To support community knowledge through hands-on learning opportunities on subjects such as permaculture, sustainable food growing, nutrition, cooking and preserving, water saving and composting.
We serve as a model for innovative land use, by developing program designs and strategies to grow food and support healthy lifestyles.
To donate surplus produce to Andover communities in need, e.g. in collaboration with food banks and the Peoples Pantry
To provide safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces for the community, that do not discriminate on the basis of age, physical or neuro-ability, ethnicity, religion, sexuality or gender identity.
Rooting for Andover seeks to promote co-creation in the following ways:
By developing democratic and inclusive decision-making processes that promote a positive sense of ownership and stewardship of community gardens among members.
By encouraging all members to participate in the design, establishment, and management of community gardens.
