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The Story of Community Roots
The Community Roots Program started out as most ideas do, through a good talk with a close friend.
The Community Roots Program started out as most ideas do, through a good talk with a close friend over dinner. Our discussion was about the basic shared needs of all humans and the undeniable relationship that those needs have with our natural resources.
With that discussion we planted a seed, and whether we were conscious of it or not at the time, we made an unspoken commitment to become more involved in our community. In designing the program, we wanted to move beyond any one isolated area of service. (i.e. social service or environmental service). Hands-on volunteerism became the foundation for the Community Roots Program and fresh, locally grown food became the binding tie between charitable giving, nutrition, self-sufficiency, and environmental stewardship.
Community Roots involves volunteers from many walks of life; small organic farmers, backyard gardeners, fruit tree owners, bicycle mechanics, soup kitchen chefs, as well as the food assistance recipients. The biggest challenge this program faces is the limits of volunteer time and energy. It takes many skillful hands to grow food and to also get it on the table for those in need. This is why volunteer participation is so critical to the success of this charitable food system. 
In the last three growing seasons the Community Roots Program has delivered over 16,500 lbs of locally grown produce to help feed the hungry. Last year we embarked on a journey that involved partnering to build Coeur d’Alene’s first Community Garden. Stick with us as we announce our exciting plans for a new community supported agriculture project called “The Roots CSA” in Dalton Gardens.
We invite you to come along for the ride!
Korrine Kreilkamp
Community Roots Founder
ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
We thank staff and members of Kootenai Environmental Alliance for being instrumental in developing the foundation of the Community Roots Program.