Helping people eat

Located on the Southside of Peoria, My Mother’s Community Garden started over 13 years ago on a small farm just outside of the city. It originally started as a way  to supplement fresh produce for a local church’s food pantry. Our mother would travel about 20 miles from her home to plant seeds, pull weeds, and harvest vegetables. The owners of the farm thought more productivity would come if a garden was closer to her home and the church.  A few years later, several lots were purchased and turned into an urban gardening space. On May 11, 2019, more than 30 people came out on a cool and rainy day to dedicate the garden to Ellora Lyons, our mom. 

From the seed to the plate has always been our mom's, way of eating. Growing her own vegetables, canning, pickling, or freezing vegetables is rewarding and an inexpensive way to feed a family.  My Mother’s Community Garden makes it possible to bring produce to families that might not afford them or have access to fresh fruit and vegetables. 

While the sign on the garden's entrance bears Ellora Lyons name,  My Mother's Community Garden represents all those mothers who have nurtured and cared for the community while feeding their families