ABOUT US
SINCE 2020, THE PDY&F COMMUNITY GARDEN HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO SERVING THE GREENSBORO, NC, AREA
3000
HOURS PLANTING, MAINTAINING, HARVESTING & DELIVERING HEALTHY FRUITS & VEGETABLES
11,500
POUNDS OF FRESH FOOD given away since 2020
250
VOLUNTEERS & ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE SOWN THEIR TIME, TALENT & EXPERTISE INTO FEEDING GREENSBORO
OUR STORY
MEET THE DIRECTOR, JAMES GARDNER
The PDY&F Community Garden was born out of a simple yet powerful idea—to combat hunger through education and innovation. It all started with James Gardner, an educator who noticed many of his students were struggling to focus in class, distracted by hunger. Determined to find a solution, he turned to the internet and stumbled upon a man growing food without soil using hydroponics and aquaponics.
Inspired, James envisioned a way to not only provide fresh food but also empower the community to grow their own food in unconventional ways. What began as a search for answers blossomed into the PDY&F Community Garden—a thriving hub where traditional and innovative growing techniques come together to fight food insecurity and cultivate a new generation of growers. Today, the garden is a space for learning, collaboration, and community, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable living while addressing food deserts head-on.
MEET THE PDY&F COMMUNITY GARDEN DIRECTOR
CULTIVATING CHANGE, ONE SEED AT A TIME
James Gardner is the visionary behind PDY&F Community Garden, a thriving hub of food justice, education, and sustainability in Greensboro, North Carolina. As a dedicated advocate for urban agriculture, he has transformed underutilized spaces into fertile ground—not just for crops, but for knowledge, empowerment, and community resilience. ​ A Hampton University alumnus, James holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the prestigious institution, equipping him with a strong foundation in leadership, education, and community development. His expertise extends beyond the garden, as he is a licensed educator in multiple states, including North Carolina, with years of experience shaping young minds and fostering a deep appreciation for self-sufficiency through agriculture.  James’ work has earned national recognition, including the honor of being a TEDx alum, where he shared his insights on food justice, sustainable farming, and the power of community-driven solutions. Beyond the stage, James serves as a catalyst that brings organizations, partners, and people together to make sure that everyone has access to healthy food options. Under his leadership,​ PDY&F Community Garden has grown into a model for urban agriculture, featuring aquaponics, aeroponics, traditional and raised-bed farming, beekeeping, and orchard management, all while addressing food insecurity in Greensboro’s 27405 zip code.
HOW DO WE ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY?
GOAL #1 FEED GREENSBORO INITIATIVE
EVERY THURSDAY, FROM 11AM - 12PM, WE PARTNER WITH THE PDY&F EMERGENCY & POP-UP FOOD PANTRY AT 2207 EAST CONE BOULEVARD, GREENSBORO, NC TO SUPPLIMENT THE FOOD BOXES WITH FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO ADD TO THEIR FOOD BOXES.