Local Food Systems
Enhancing our local food systems requires us to think about the life cycle of the food we eat: food production, food processing, food distribution, food consumption and food disposal. Working with the Good Food Central (GFCF) local food policy council, we hope to build and advocate for a healthier, more sustainable food system.
Visit the Orange County UF-IFAS Extension Service for information on classes and workshops offered throughout the year on agriculture, family & consumer sciences, and gardening.
Community Gardens
A community garden is a collaborative green space in which the participants share in both the maintenance and the rewards. Check out the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension Starting a Community Guide for tips and resources on starting a community garden.
This garden serves as a space for the community to learn about and engage in edible gardening, helping support a more local and sustainable food system. The garden features 10 raised beds growing a variety of seasonal vegetables, along with six fruit trees including mango, persimmon, starfruit, Barbados cherry, fig, and mulberry. Visitors can also enjoy an outdoor tree stump classroom designed for hands-on learning, as well as amenities such as a storage shed and sink.
Throughout the year, the garden will host a variety of public classes and programs covering topics such as edible landscaping, composting, and other sustainable gardening practices.
This garden was made possible through the Keep America Beautiful MLK Jr. Blvd Grant. The project was created through a partnership between the City of Winter Park’s Natural Resources & Sustainability Department, Parks & Recreation Department, Winter Park Library, and UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. Together, these partners helped transform the site into a thriving edible landscape designed to support ongoing education and community engagement.
For questions, please contact gro.krapretniwfoytic@ytilibaniatsus
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the garden be open to the public?
The MLK Jr. Park Learning Garden is designed as a teaching space for educational programs and demonstrations. To help protect the plants and maintain the garden for classes, the space is only open during scheduled programs and volunteer events hosted throughout the year. All classes and activities will be open to the community.
How will I find out about upcoming classes and events?
Upcoming programs will be shared on the City of Winter Park and Winter Park Library online event calendars.
What happens to the vegetables grown in the garden?
The garden will host designated harvest days, which will be announced in advance. On those days, harvested produce will be placed out for Winter Park Library visitors to take home while supplies last. The produce will also be used for educational purposes during classes and demonstrations.
Who maintains the garden?
The garden is maintained through a combination of City staff, community partners, and volunteers.
Can I volunteer in the garden?
Yes! The City will host volunteer maintenance days throughout the year where community members can help care for the garden while learning about edible gardening practices.
One of the first community gardens in Winter Park, this garden provides organic vegetables and fruit for members to keep and to share. If you have an interest in being a part of the Mead Community Garden, contact the Community Garden Board. The Mead Community Garden.
For information on plot availability, contact the Winter Park Community Center.
Backyard Chicken Program
Passed January 25, 2023, Ordinance 3259-23 establishes regulations for the issuing of backyard chicken permits and the keeping of backyard chickens.
Interested in applying for a Backyard Chicken Permit?
Step 1. Review the rules.
Step 2. Take a class.
Step 3. Apply for a Backyard Chicken Permit.
Step 4. Your application is reviewed.
Step 5. Pay $50 fee once permit is approved.
Step 6. Install your coop & schedule your final inspection.
Access the interactive map for local ordinance information, places to buy chickens and chicken supplies to help with your backyard chicken needs.
Saturday Farmers' Market
The Saturday Winter Park Farmers’ Market is a popular community gathering place that provides fresh produce, plants, baked goods, and more. Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) is a nutrition incentive program that increases the purchasing power of SNAP recipients to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets, produce stands, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), mobile markets, and community grocery outlets. The program doubles a person’s purchase when they use Fresh Access Bucks are used at the city’s Saturday Farmers’ Market (up to $40 per day).
Access the interactive map to find where you can use Fresh Access Bucks.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Landscaping is not only important for the aesthetic of your property, but also for the natural environment around your home. By choosing Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, you can save money and resources by conserving water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Learn more about how you can make environmentally conscious decisions in your yard by accessing UF-IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program.