We connect people to better food.
We believe that community gardens, farmers’ markets, and nutrition education are sustainable routes to a future where everyone can eat better. We think access to good nutritious food is a human right regardless of a person’s location or economic level.
In January of 2015, Dig Local, Inc and Beaches Local Food Network joined forces to better serve the community at large with their shared visions of providing access to sustainably grown and local food. This united grassroots effort to change the modern food system has resulted in multiple community gardens, farmers’ markets, and education programs for children and adults.
Together, as Dig Local Network, we strive to connect people to better food. We believe that community gardens, farmers’ markets and accessible education are sustainable routes to a future where everyone can eat better. We think access to good nutritious food is a human right regardless of a person’s location or economic level.
A history of growing together…
The Original Network:
Beaches Local Food Network began as a small farmer’s market in a parking lot in Jacksonville Beach. Identifying a need for hands-on gardening and educational opportunities, the seed for a community garden was planted. By the summer of 2008, the soil in Jarboe Park had been tilled for the Beaches Community Garden and had a decently-sized farmer’s market, the Beaches Green Market, with three local farms and many other green products. Beaches Local Food Network will be forever grateful for the hard work and commitment of founders Gretchen Ferrell and Jonathan Felts.
The Roots of DIG:
By way of community gardens, farmers’ markets, and accessible education, Dig Local, a not-for-profit organization, worked to provide communities of all economic levels a choice when faced with the ills of the modern food system.
Their story began in 2010 with two AmeriCorps volunteers (Jade and Becky) with Beaches Habitat in Atlantic Beach. The two women had started seeds with some of the kids at the Jordan Park Community Center but quickly realized that there was nowhere to put the plants as they grew.
Through their shared dream and a provision of land via Beaches Habitat and the City of Atlantic Beach, this organization was started. Originally the Dutton Island Gardeners, or DIG, was made up of a few community members. Over time, it has evolved into 501c3 with a board of directors and multiple projects.