​Affordable Housing Gardens Provide Nutritious Foods and Support Food Security

Alexandria, VA – Housing Alexandria recently hosted its annual summer garden celebrations at two of its vibrant Alexandria community garden sites, The Station at Potomac Yard and The Bloom at Braddock, bringing residents and community members together to honor the organization’s ongoing commitment to urban agriculture, community building, and food equity, along with games, refreshments, mural painting, and a petting zoo for the residents to enjoy. For more information, please go to www.housingalexandria.org.
Both evenings were filled with garden tours, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for attendees to connect with volunteers, staff, and neighbors. Refreshments and hands-on garden experiences added to the festive atmosphere.
This year’s events marked four years of community engagement through garden celebrations and nearly a decade of food production since Housing Alexandria’s first community garden was established in 2016. The organization now manages three active garden sites—The Bloom, The Station, and Lacy Court—which collectively produce approximately 2,500 pounds of fresh vegetables annually, providing nutritious food to over 250 residents.
The gardens feature a diverse array of produce, including eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, lettuces, basil, carrots, bell and chili peppers, cucumbers, and green beans—all grown with sustainable practices in the heart of the city.
“Housing Alexandria’s gardens are about more than just food,” said Jon Frederick, CEO of Housing Alexandria. “They’re about community, sustainability, and equity. These events gave us a chance to celebrate the volunteers, residents, and staff who make this initiative thrive year after year,” said Frederick.
The celebrations underscored Housing Alexandria’s mission to create not only stable, affordable housing, but also strong, connected neighborhoods enriched by access to healthy food and green spaces.
About Housing Alexandria
Housing Alexandria is a non-profit community developer based in Alexandria, Virginia, committed to providing stable, affordable housing paired with essential services and resources. Through its housing developments and community initiatives, the organization works to enhance quality of life and equity for individuals and families in Alexandria. Learn more at www.housingalexandria.org.