Cultivating Community: How TreePeople is Transforming Food Deserts with Fruit Trees

In the heart of Los Angeles, where food deserts have long plagued underserved communities, a nonprofit organization is spearheading a transformative initiative. TreePeople, a dedicated environmental advocacy group, is empowering residents by providing them with the tools to grow their own fresh produce, one fruit tree at a time.

Nourishing Neighborhoods, One Tree at a Time

Connecting to the Land, One Lemon at a Time

Mario Dagonel, a community engagement manager with TreePeople, understands the profound impact a single fruit tree can have on a family's life. For him, it was the lemon tree in his grandmother's backyard that sparked a lifelong connection to the land and a deep appreciation for the bounty it can provide. The lemon tree's abundant harvest fueled countless summer days of homemade lemonade, and the family's generosity in sharing the fruit with neighbors fostered a sense of community that Dagonel carries with him to this day.

Addressing the Food Desert Crisis

This personal connection to the land is even more crucial in the food deserts of Los Angeles, where residents often lack immediate access to affordable, healthy food options. Last year, TreePeople distributed nearly 3,000 fruit trees to individuals living in these underserved areas, providing them with the means to grow their own nutritious produce. Dagonel emphasizes the staggering scale of the issue, noting that a million residents in Los Angeles County experienced food insecurity in the previous year, many of whom were not receiving government assistance.

Transforming Neighborhoods, One Tree at a Time

TreePeople's efforts extend beyond simply distributing trees; they work closely with local communities to ensure the trees thrive and become a sustainable source of nourishment. The organization partners with cities and community organizations to host tree distributions, providing residents with not only the trees but also detailed care instructions in both English and Spanish. This holistic approach ensures that the trees take root and become a lasting part of the community's landscape.

Cultivating Connections, Nurturing Growth

The impact of these fruit tree distributions goes beyond just addressing food insecurity; it also fosters a sense of community and personal investment. Dagonel recounts heartwarming stories of residents who have planted avocado trees, only to later share the abundant harvest with their neighbors. This exchange of homegrown produce not only reduces grocery costs but also strengthens the bonds between community members, creating a ripple effect of generosity and connection.

Greening Neighborhoods, One Tree at a Time

TreePeople's approach to "greening" neighborhoods extends beyond the traditional focus on shade trees. While those are essential, the organization recognizes the unique value of fruit trees, which can be planted in residents' front or backyards, providing a personalized source of nourishment. The variety of fruit trees distributed, including avocado, cherry, peach, and pomegranate, is carefully selected to ensure they thrive in the local microclimate and soil conditions.

Sustaining the Harvest: Nurturing the Saplings

Planting the trees is just the first step in TreePeople's mission. The organization understands that the initial years of a tree's life are crucial, and they make a concerted effort to water and maintain the saplings. This hands-on approach ensures the trees' long-term survival and productivity, with volunteers playing a vital role in the process.

Building Lasting Connections

TreePeople's commitment to the communities it serves goes beyond simply distributing trees. The organization actively works to build strong connections with residents, collecting contact information and having them sign a "Pledge to Adopt" form, solidifying their agreement to care for the trees that will be part of their lives for decades to come. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring the trees become an integral part of the community's landscape.As TreePeople continues to expand its fruit tree distribution efforts, the organization is on track to reach even greater heights, with plans to distribute 4,000 to 5,000 trees by the end of 2024. By empowering residents to grow their own produce and fostering a deep connection to the land, TreePeople is transforming the landscape of Los Angeles, one fruit tree at a time.