Filipinos and Latinos unite to learn community gardening

Filipinos and Latinos will learn how to grow fruits and vegetables in Historic Filipinotown, thanks to the nonprofit organization Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA).

The organization launched a community garden initiative called Pilipinos and Latinos Accessing Together (PLATO). This program aims to teach both beginner and seasoned gardeners how to grow fresh produce right in their own neighborhoods.

Isabel Cuevas, SIPA's health and wellness program coordinator, has played a key role in the planning, development and implementation of PLATO. She believes that those types of programs are crucial for the community, particularly for the Latino community.

“We do notice that there is not as much access to fresh fruits and vegetables within this area, and PLATO gives the community the opportunity to be able to learn how to grow their own fresh produce, as well as be able to harvest and take it home to their families,” Cuevas said.

Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles is often considered a "food desert" due to limited access to affordable, healthy food options, with residents relying more on fast food and convenience stores. Many of the grocery stores surrounding the area are not within walking distance from the community.

As PLATO is entering their second year of the program, Filipinos and Latinos will have the ability to grow fruits and vegetables that are tailored to their cultural traditions at free workshops beginning this week. Individuals were able to join the program through a registration link, but  the moment the program is at its full capacity of members. Those who are interested in still participating will need to be added to the waiting list. “It's been really beautiful to see [the] community coming together, just because PLATO has a mix of both communities together in the demographic area that we serve,” said Cuevas.

Vegetables that community members are growing include cilantro, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn and potatoes, which oftentimes are key ingredients for their meals. Cuevas shared that this is the first time a program has been created by two staff members who share a passion for gardening.

“Having an expert in gardening and being able to really facilitate certain workshops that had to do with techniques, cultural practices, as well as more of the technical topics of composting, pest management and things like that was essential for the program,“ Cuevas said.

She also added that another important component of the program is teaching community members about chronic disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits that they can implement in their daily routines. “Members are able to gain knowledge just from learning how to grow their fresh produce and being able to get outside, stay active and really be their own leaders,” she said.

Not only does PLATO teach individuals how to grow and harvest food but they also have the opportunity to connect with their cultural roots, which is another important component in the program. “We've had community members that identify from different backgrounds and they are able to share traditions that they've learned in their family or maybe themselves. There have also been cases where members have had grandparents or great-grandparents who did the process of growing something and now they want to learn those skills so that they can continue to gain knowledge and continue those traditions and practices of their loved ones,” Cuevas said.

As Latinos and Filipinos come together, the program was aimed at serving those who represent the community best. “This program really spoke to bringing something that reflects the people who live here. And I think that is why we wanted to bring it into something that we're able to share traditions amongst each other. I know there are certain cultural similarities between Filipinos and Latinos, so it's beautiful to see,” Cuevas said.

Marielle Arcana was a community participant in last year’s program but this year she was asked to join as a master gardener. Arcana believes that programs like PLATO are so vital for the community. “We don't have so much access to fresh food, fresh vegetables and produce; it becomes important for community programs like this that support and advocate for gardening, where fresh food grows and is accessible for the community,” Arcana said. “This program is also a good way to bring the community together and for those who might not have space in their homes to grow any produce, PLATO is an accessible and welcoming space for everyone.”

Arcana shared that it's a good feeling when she and other participants in the program are able to see the progress in their garden every week, saying that the program helps with the community's mental health. “It gives them a space to relax and to watch things that they grew in their own space, because they have designated spaces, and really see the fruits of their labor, She said.  “It's impactful the way that people's mental health might be improved.”

Since joining the gardening community program, her experience has been beyond positive. She views gardening as a true commitment, often finding herself returning each week to check on the garden's progress and maintain it as it continues to grow. 

Arcana told CALÓ News that the garden was very fruitful last year and that they were able to make a lot of dishes and even host an end-of-the-year community dinner. “It was a lot of fun, a lot of smiles and a lot of full bellies. The program just brings out a lot of good energy and not only because there's food available but because we're all coming together and having conversations about just anything in general, including gardening. So it's really an inclusive space that PLATO has brought for the community,” Arcana said.