SALISBURY — The West End Community Garden has become a hub of activity this summer, thanks to a successful series of community cookouts hosted by local nonprofit Happy Roots and funded by the West End Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Grant.

The events have brought together youth, local residents and community leaders for a season of garden education, garden-to-table fellowship and neighborhood unity. 

The cookout series, which ran from June to August, was designed to engage the community in a positive, educational and fun environment. Each event featured fresh, locally raised beef burgers and produce from Rowan County farms, local school gardens and community gardens, all carefully harvested and curated into dishes by participants, free of charge to the public. The initiative aimed to provide both practical gardening knowledge and valuable life skills to local youth, while also fostering a stronger sense of community and raising awareness of the community garden.

However, the cookouts were more than just a meal. They served as a bridge, connecting diverse groups celebrating camaraderie and the environment shared. Each event kicked off with hands-on gardening activities led by special guest educators, where participants of all ages could learn about planting, harvesting and maintaining a garden. Local youth were especially encouraged to get involved, not just with these events but with year-round opportunities in the community garden. 

“The Garden Graze events at West End Community Garden were what community building is all about,” said Stacey Carter, one of the event organizers. “A diversity of people that otherwise might not connect came together to enjoy food and family, to learn from each other, play together, and tend a garden that we all share. Now more than ever, these live, in-person opportunities are essential for creating a vital community in which people from various walks of life can come together to create meaningful relationships that will shape the future.”

The cookout series was made possible by the West End Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Grant, which supports initiatives aimed at reducing crime and promoting safety in underserved communities. According to a release from the organization’s director, Ashley Honbarrier, the grant has “been instrumental” in boosting Happy Roots’ efforts of hosting community events in the West End and growing the garden into a dynamic community resource. The Salisbury Police Department and the city of Salisbury played a key role in winning the grant, while Rowan County United Way assisted in administering the funds.

The impact of the cookout series extends beyond the summer months. Many participants have expressed a renewed interest and are anxious for more community garden programs and events. The relationships built during the cookouts have also fostered a stronger, more connected community. Looking ahead, organizers aim to build on the success of this summer’s cookout series and continue offering similar events throughout the year.

“We ate the freshest of food you can get… right here out of the garden. We learned valuable life skills, supported our local farmers, as well as each other. We’ve seen new friendships form and a real sense of camaraderie develop among participants,” Honbarrier said. “This is exactly what we hoped to achieve and we look forward to keeping this good thing going.”