Refuge Community Garden: A New Chapter for Kokomo’s Northside

Kokomo’s north side is set to witness a transformative initiative aimed at combating food insecurity and fostering community connection with .35 acres of a new community garden on the city’s north side.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, the Refuge Community Garden will mark the beginning of its next chapter featuring a groundbreaking ceremony at a second location aimed toward growing fall crops for the community. What was once an empty double lot owned by the city, 415 E. Havens will soon have Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli rapini, kohlrabi, kale, mustard greens, turnip/greens, collard greens and more.

Organizers say this garden isn’t just about planting seeds; it’s about planting hope.

Spearheaded by community member DeAndra Beard-Ingram, the Refuge Community Garden is a direct response to the pressing issue of food deserts—areas where access to affordable, high-quality fresh food is severely limited. For many residents on Kokomo’s north side, where transportation options are scarce and the nearest supermarket is more than half a mile away, this garden represents a vital lifeline.

“The whole goal is to create broader access to fresh food, decrease hunger, and make a tangible impact on our community,” Beard-Ingram said. “Ultimately, we want to have enough plots and volunteers to establish a distribution system that provides access to fresh produce and teaches people how to grow and use it.”

But the Refuge Community Garden’s vision extends beyond just growing food. It’s about creating a sustainable, community-driven solution to hunger in Kokomo. By teaching residents how to grow their produce and providing a distribution system for those who need it most, the garden aims to not only alleviate hunger but to empower the community with knowledge and resources.

TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt

Allison Norman from the Howard County Food Access Alliance, who partnered with Refuge Community Garden on this project, spoke of the importance of the garden’s expansion.

“The Refuge Community Garden has been operating in the Northside community for years, consistently providing fresh produce. Their expertise has been invaluable; without the support of DeAndra and her dedicated team, we would have struggled to establish a new garden. Our partnership began last year, with a shared vision to expand the Refuge Community Garden's operation, which led our joint initiative to two new plots on East Havens. Together, we are creating a larger network of food resources for those residing in one of the most significant food deserts in Howard County.”

The community is invited to come together, pray over the harvest, and take part in building a brighter, healthier future for Kokomo’s Northside. With the support of volunteers and a shared commitment to the cause, the Refuge Community Garden is poised to make a lasting impact on the community it serves.

For more information on how to get involved or to learn more about the Refuge Community Garden, visit the event on Aug. 24.