Letter: Urban gardening could help the poor

I was very pleasantly surprised when I read the Rev. Skip Lindeman’s criticism of mean-spirited Republicans (In Theory, Oct. 5). These same Republicans are insisting that our poor and hungry should be more self-reliant when it comes to obtaining food. So, here’s one solution: community gardens.

I read in the L.A. Times how community gardens are really taking off. Many unused lots and parkways are left with weeds, broken glass and ants.

We must stop the waste. Growing food gardens to help feed the needy and the hungry is a good start. After some initial assistance, the needy can begin to tend their own gardens, much like the sweat equity in Habitat for Humanity homes.

Filling empty lots with beautiful and healthy foods can also count as city beautification projects. With community food gardens, everyone benefits. The city planners should turn all of these empty lots and weed-strewn parkways over to community farmers.

It’s not only time to clean up our communities, but to share these resources with those who can put them to good use.

Jodi Lawson
Burbank