(From left) John Harrigan, Fatuma Emmad, Venice Williams and Demetrius Brown of Alice’s Garden prepare to receive their award on the field at Miller Park. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)

Alice’s Garden was recently awarded a Brewers Community Foundation and State Farm Insurance “Go-To-Bat” award for its community programming and outreach.

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Alice’s Garden wins prestigious MANDI award

Alice’s Garden won the first-ever Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award at the MANDI awards dinner on March 30 sponsored by LISC.

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The organic garden, built over vacant parcels of land on N. 20th Street and W. Garfield Avenue, spans a two-acre section of Lindsay Heights and serves more than 90 families and a dozen community organizations.

The goal of the garden is not just to provide fresh food but also to make the idea of growing your own food accessible to families in the neighborhood, according to Fatuma Emmad, urban farm manager of the garden.

“People really buy into the idea of growing good, fresh food for their families,” Emmad said.

The family garden program also teaches residents how to cook, grow and store healthy foods.

Venice Williams, director of Alice’s Garden, called the award an affirmation that the program is doing much needed work in the community.

“We’re honored that the Brewers and State Farm recognize the work we do,” Williams said.

Alice’s Garden received a MANDI (Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation) in 2011.

Jim Camoriano, spokesman for State Farm, said that Alice’s Garden was chosen to receive the Go-To-Bat award because the program helps people reach a better state in their lives.

Said Camoriano, “This is one way we can give back to community members for dedication to their own neighborhoods.”