Harvest & Hope
Harvest & Hope is the National Preparedness Network’s community agriculture and recovery program. The initiative develops local food production, teaches practical growing skills, and restores neighborhood stability through shared stewardship and hands-on participation. The program uses gardens as infrastructure for resilience. Food is the entry point, but the outcome is stronger households and connected communities.
What the Program Does
Harvest & Hope establishes anchor garden sites in communities and supports additional satellite gardens through education, volunteer coordination, and material assistance. Community members participate in planting, maintenance, harvesting, and seasonal workshops. The program teaches individuals how to grow food, preserve it, and share it while also providing a structured opportunity for service, recovery support, and mentorship.
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The project is designed to address three overlapping needs: food access, practical skill development, and community rebuilding. By working together in a productive environment, participants gain confidence, stability, and long-term capability.
How It Works
Each community operates around a primary anchor garden location. The anchor site serves as a training and coordination center where volunteers, families, and partners receive instruction and participate in scheduled workdays. From this site, smaller satellite gardens are supported at homes, community centers, and partner organizations.​
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NPN provides:
• planning and coordination
• education and workshops
• seed and starter support when available
• volunteer organization
• community partner integration
Participants contribute time, stewardship, and local knowledge. The goal is not charity distribution. The goal is local capacity.
Community Impact
Harvest & Hope improves household food reliability, increases preparedness, and creates positive community activity in areas that often lack structured engagement opportunities. Gardens become neutral spaces where families, youth, older adults, and partner agencies work side by side.
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The program produces measurable outcomes:
• increased household food production
• improved preparedness awareness
• community volunteer engagement
• recovery and re-entry support opportunities
• neighborhood cooperation and stability
Who Can Participate
The program is open to individuals, families, recovery participants, youth groups, faith organizations, civic groups, and local agencies. No experience is required. Training is provided and participation can range from occasional volunteer workdays to ongoing stewardship roles.
Partners and Hosts
Harvest & Hope works with municipalities, extension services, schools, churches, housing organizations, and community groups. Organizations may host a garden site, sponsor materials, provide volunteers, or collaborate on education events.
Current Doners
Get Involved
Community members can volunteer, donate supplies, host a garden site, or partner with NPN to bring the program to their area. Businesses and organizations can support the initiative through sponsorship, materials, or service collaboration.