We're Transforming Food Deserts to Beauty!
Beauty's Community Garden's programs, events, and educational materials focus on breaking the cycle of food insecurity, poor nutrition, and the resulting health outcomes people within communities with limited access to fresh produce experience. These communities are called food deserts. Our garden is located in one of forty plus food deserts in Houston. We are committed to bringing awareness and impacting the lives of the residents in these communities.
2.1 Million
People within the U.S. reside in food desert communities.
400,000
Reside in one of 40+ food deserts in
Houston, Texas alone.
Health Impact
Poor diet and access to processed foods result in poor health.
Learning about what we eat and where it comes from has a transformative influence on how we grow, feel, and act.
More than giving food that feeds for a day, we teach you how to become your own food source, and the advantages of bringing plant-based foods into your diet, gaining a global, cultural, and scientific appreciation for food, and setting you on a lifetime path of personal, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
An annual plant that is technically considered a fruit. The are part of the gourd family and are considered a type of berry known as "pepo"
Crop Description
Zucchini plants are known for their large leaves and prolific growth. It has a soft, edible skin that ranges in color from dark green to yellow. They are cylindrical in shape and can grow up to 8 inches long., though they are usually harvested when smaller to ensure tenderness.
Culinary Use
Their mild flavor and versatility make them suitable for a variety of culinary applications, from grilling and baking to spiralizing into noodles or adding to soups and stews.
Nutrition
Per 100g (about 3.5 oz) = Calories: Approx 17, Water: 94%, Protein: 1.2g, Carbohydrates: 3.1g, Fiber 1g, Vitamin C: 20% of RDA, Vitamin A: 4% of RDA, Potassium: 261mg and Folate: 24µg.
Crop Cultivation
Plant seeds in late spring in a sunny, well-drained spot with enriched soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest when they are 6-8 inches long, about 45-55 days after planting.
Body Benefits
Zucchini is also a good source of antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. Its high-water content and low-calorie count make it an excellent choice for hydration and weight management.
Origin & History
Zucchini has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It originated in Mesoamerica, specifically in regions that are now part of Mexico and northern South America, over 7,000 years ago. It made its way to North America in the early 20th century.
“I started volunteering at Beauty’s Garden in 2020 to raise vegetables and work in a garden like I love to do. It’s hard to make new friends in middle age, and to make it worse I came to Houston at the beginning of the pandemic so I was so isolated, living and working alone. There was no where to go! Nothing was open where I could talk to other people! The Garden turned out to be the only place I could bring my mask and interact safely, outdoors, with diverse but like-minded people. We literally have people from age 8 to 80 coming to help every week. During a time of loneliness and crushing ennui across the country, we’re growing organic food together for the needy, learning about horticulture, and sharing at our potlucks. I hardly know anyone in Houston but my Beauty’s Garden friends are looking forward to seeing me every week.”
Maggie Wineland
New Houstonite
Knowledge is Power!
Root-level transformation happens through discovery, empowerment, and support focused on a path to a healthy and dignified life.
PROGRAMS: Our programs provide the foundation for our community impact. Our year-round Urban Farming and Rooted In Wellness (formally Cooking Healthy) programs are held at the garden and sometimes online. Our Desert to Beauty program expands our community engagement and impact to other 40+ Food Deserts communities. These programs are just a taste of what to expect. You can learn more about what we're up to by clicking the link below.
PUBLICATION: The Green Seedling Magazine, is a seasonal, quarterly, fun-filled, STEAM educational green to health magazine providing engaging family-friendly content. The magazine was a joint project between Beauty's Community Garden and PEACE through PIE, under a two-year, BeWell Acres Homes grant focused the grant ended December 2023. Feel free to access each magazine copy by clicking the link below.
SUPPORT: As a non-profit, we count on your support to develop and provide programs, events, and food to the community. Our 8th annual PEACE through PIE Community Event & Fundraiser was held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 (see post-event page). Through this annual event, we raise funds to support our year-round garden, Rooted in Wellness programs, youth education programs, and events throughout the year.
There will not be an MLK PEACE through PIE event for 2025. Look for an announcement of a new event during the fall of 2025.
