Grow Benzie is a non-profit 501 © 3, established in September 2008 when a 3.7 acre piece of abandoned farmland (the historic site of the county home) was noticed by community members looking for a site for community gardens.  The site was appealing for several reasons.   It contained 8,000 square feet of heated space suited for a variety of purposes.   Its location was perfectly situated for access from the two major county population centers on a state highway with high visibility on a public transportation corridor.  The Benzie Bus runs by several times a day, making access easily available to every resident.

The property consisted of a former nursery building (now the assembly building with 5,000 sq. feet), a 3200 sq. foot house with a walkout basement, a large pole barn and 3 industrial sized greenhouses.  Four group members served as guarantors of a bank loan that enabled the purchase of the property and establishment of the community-based organization.  The site offered so much more than just garden space.  Like the February 2009 Grand Vision Report “the best way to get started is to get started”, Grow Benzie began.  The start up year began with cleaning up the property that had been neglected for many years, involving hundreds of volunteer hours, and bringing buildings up to current standards, which was even more daunting than anticipated.  6 community gardens were established, and a few community programs were held.  Initial planning for changing the building and entrance access were undertaken.

During our second year, Sept 2009 to 2010, there was a great period of growth in all areas: leadership, creation of more gardens (14), updating property to meet codes, first minimal membership drive, development of a PR program of education in the form of newsletters, website redesigned, the first major fundraising event was held, the Grow Benzie Farmer’s Market was established, and 3 grants were received.

Our third year, Sept 2010 to 2011, saw continued growth along with more construction.  The first industrial sized greenhouse was completed, with over 4,000 pounds of tomatoes grown and harvested.  Over 20 seminars, classes, and events  were held that were well received.  The community gardens expanded to 25 gardens.  A sewing studio was created in the basement of the house and classes begun.  The Grow Benzie Farmer’s Market instituted Bridge Cards and became the administrator of the Double Up Food Bucks program for 3-area farmer’s markets.  A second major fundraising event was held and renovation of the remaining two greenhouses was begun.  Planning was undertaken for the development of a licensed incubator kitchen site and a major capital campaign was undertaken.

Our Mission

Grow Benzie is a community nonprofit farmstead, dedicated to enriching the lives of Benzie County residents by fostering self-reliance through education in agriculture, nutrition, job training and life skills.   It’s focus is three-fold:

·         To raise healthy children by giving them a chance to realize their potential

·         To re-energize people by teaching new skills, thus gaining confidence and independence

·         To be a center of excellence to help adapt lives to our changing economy. 

We are working to become a year round demonstration/training center to realize this mission and serve as a symbol of hope and revitalization for all Benzie County residents.