The Jelani Graham Memorial Community Garden was established as a prototype in the Spring of 2019 with donations from various local businesses, organizations and individuals.  Logistical and educational support were provided by the University of Maryland Extension and their Master Gardener as well as the Master Gardener at the Capitol Area Food Bank Demonstration Garden.  Our garden was tended by community volunteers and members of the SMT/OSLC congregation.  A grant from the DC Metro Synod of the ELCA allowed us to make improvements to the infrastructure and to expand the size of the garden, so in the Spring of 2020 the JGMCG was opened to the surrounding community.  It is a space to not only grow your own vegetables, but to learn from and/or teach fellow gardeners. 

Our Mission

• Promote community outreach by:
  • offering space for community members to grow their own food,
  • using the garden as a focal point for activities conducted by St. Michael’s Truth/Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (e.g. Fall Festival, classes in healthy eating and cooking, etc.)
• Supplement healthy food offerings to the Oxon Hill Food Pantry which adjacent to the Jelani Graham Memorial Community Garden
• Promote congregational “in-reach” by:
  • providing education and organic produce to promote healthy eating,
  • providing space for congregants to grow their own food,
  • engaging children and youth in community service and educational activities as they relate to growing food and making healthy food choices.