Dec 11 2011: This argument seems a little one-sided. If you were to talk about converting most abandoned buildings or sections of parks into community gardens, that's one thing. But to only say that churches, mosques, etc. should be the only ones to "convert" is just ignorant. Yes, there are a lot of religious establishments that are bankrupt, but what about other establishments like schools? Would you be so willing to turn a school where a few hundred students attend into a garden just because they are bankrupt and/ or facing more budget cuts?
Plus, where do you fairly separate the "community?" One church garden - unless it's a mega church - cannot possibly feed thousands of citizens in a city that may need that food. And the talk of "everybody's doing it" - how soon would other religious establishments decide to demolish their parking lots and buildings be, IF and WHEN they decide to do it?
Many religious establishments encourage keeping a storage of food in extreme cases of need and, on top of that, to keep enough for one's own family AND his neighbors. When I was growing up my church would host local canning sessions so that each person that attended - whether or not they were a member of that church - learned how to can their own goods. Many churches do a lot of good for their communities and reach out to those in need. Do not discredit them.
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A comment on Conversation: Convert all church parking lots into community gardens (and later all churches into community gardens + food education centres + seed vault)
Plus, where do you fairly separate the "community?" One church garden - unless it's a mega church - cannot possibly feed thousands of citizens in a city that may need that food. And the talk of "everybody's doing it" - how soon would other religious establishments decide to demolish their parking lots and buildings be, IF and WHEN they decide to do it?
Many religious establishments encourage keeping a storage of food in extreme cases of need and, on top of that, to keep enough for one's own family AND his neighbors. When I was growing up my church would host local canning sessions so that each person that attended - whether or not they were a member of that church - learned how to can their own goods. Many churches do a lot of good for their communities and reach out to those in need. Do not discredit them.