North Little Rock Community Gardens Summer 2024
Organizations Get Creative in Battling Food Insecurity
Quarterly Newsletter
Growing Healthy Food and Stronger Communities
Access to healthy, affordable, and nutritious food is a critical need in North Little Rock. Established in 2009, the North Little Rock Community Garden Program is a city-funded initiative focused on reducing food insecurity, strengthening neighborhoods, and transforming underused spaces into productive, welcoming gardens.
Our citywide network of gardens allows residents to grow local food, learn sustainable gardening practices, and connect with neighbors. These spaces foster community, encourage learning, and create vibrant places where residents can share skills and resources.
Interested in starting or expanding a community garden? Learn more about our gardens and how to join the program below.
MEET THE GARDENS
Our gardens are located at schools, churches, and residential neighborhoods throughout North Little Rock. Each garden cultivates a mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in shared plots, or individually leased beds.
Each listing on the map includes garden location, growing style, and the organizations who care for it.
Explore our gardens to see the diversity and impact of community gardening in North Little Rock.
Keep up to date with the Community Garden Program:
BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY GARDENS
INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS
- Access to fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant food
- Support for food security and lower household food costs
- Opportunities to learn gardening skills and develop self reliance
- Encouragement for physical activity and outdoor learning
- Improved dietary habits through hands on education
- Space for social connections and neighborhood engagement
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
- Beautification of neighborhoods and preservation of green spaces
- Creation of educational, recreational, and therapeutic opportunities
- Production of locally grown wholesome food
- Support for economic development and neighborhood vitality
- Contribution to safer, more welcoming community spaces
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
- Increase in biodiversity of plants, pollinators, and wildlife
- Reduction of food miles and transportation emissions
- Conservation of resources and open space
- Improvement of urban microclimate and reduction of city heat
- Promotion of sustainable practices and ecological stewardship
Community gardens provide benefits for individuals, neighborhoods, and the environment making North Little Rock healthier and more vibrant for everyone.
JOIN THE NORTH LITTLE ROCK COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM
The North Little Rock Community Garden Program provides annual funding to support the establishment, improvement, and long-term success of community gardens within city limits. This program is made possible through support from the City of North Little Rock, local nonprofits, volunteers, and community partners.
New and existing gardens are encouraged to apply for seasonal funding. Applications are available for new community gardens, NLR School District gardens, and previously funded gardens.
Funding may be used for garden construction materials, tools, infrastructure, expansion projects, and other garden-related needs.
Upcoming Funding Cycles
- Fall 2026 Funding: applications may be submitted anytime between December 16th, 2025 and June 15, 2026 (Funds distributed in early August)
- Spring 2027 Funding: applications may be submitted anytime between June 16th, 2026 and December 15, 2026 (Funds distributed in early March)
Gardens may apply for one funding round per year.
Applications are preferred to be completed digitally and submitted via email to RKelly@nlr.ar.gov or NLRNeighborhoodServ@nlr.ar.gov, though printed and handwritten applications can be dropped off at Neighborhood Services, 3427 N. Magnolia, North Little Rock, AR 72116. Below you will also find applications, required reporting documents, program policies, and the ordinances that established the Community Garden Program.
Ready to grow with us? Download an application below to join. Please review our policies before completing your application.
FUNDING APPLICATIONS AND PROGRAM DOCUMENTS
COMMUNITY GARDEN MANAGERS MEETING
Community garden managers, volunteers, and anyone interested in gardening are invited to attend our monthly Garden Managers Meetings. These gatherings are open to the public and provide a space for those who are growing food and building community in Central Arkansas.
Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the North Heights Community Center (4801 Allen St., North Little Rock, AR).
2026 Meeting dates
- January 27
- February 24
- March 17
- April 28
- May 19
- June 23
- July 28
- August 25
- September 22
- October 27
- November 17
There is no meeting in December.
Join us for a chance to share successes and challenges, exchange resources, ask questions, and connect with the local gardening community. Everyone is welcome to attend whether you manage a garden, volunteer occasionally, or are simply curious about the program.
COMMUNITY GARDEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The North Little Rock Public Community Garden Advisory Committee directs the programs’ funding decisions. Membership is open to past and present Community Garden Managers and affiliates who are in good standing with the program. Contact NLRNeighborhoodServ@nlr.ar.gov if you are interested in serving on the committee.
Questions? Please contact:
Rachelle Kelly – Community Garden Coordinator
3427 N. Magnolia
North Little Rock, AR 72116
Phone: 501-351-0184
Fax: 501-791-8516
Email: RKelly@nlr.ar.gov
Little Free Pantry Project
In Arkansas, 1 in 5 people face food insecurity, meaning a limited or uncertain access to adequate food. The goal is for Arkansas cities to upcycle and repurpose old newspaper dispensers, converting them into LFP’s. These pantries are then “adopted” by community groups who work to keep the pantries stocked with non-perishable food items and hygiene/sanitary supplies to ensure that all of our neighbors have access to food in a stigma-free way. Click to learn more.