Food insecurity and food deserts are major issues in Milwaukee's inner city, as many neighborhoods lack access to supermarkets selling fresh fruits and vegetables, and even if they can make it to the supermarket, many inner city residents cannot afford expensive fresh foods. At the same time, much of the inner city is struggling with high numbers of vacant lots which have a negative influence on the surrounding neighborhood, and a lack of outlets for positive community building.

Milwaukee Urban Gardens' work tackles all of these issues by helping neighbors and community groups turn vacant lots into beautiful gardens, which supply fresh produce to the gardeners and the surrounding area. The gardens also act as community focal points, giving neighbors a positive way to get together and improve their communities.

Milwaukee Urban Gardens functions as a land trust and resource center, and has progressively grown since it's birth 10 years ago. The organization currently owns land and also acts as an intermediary between the city and groups wishing to garden on city land. In total, Milwaukee Urban Gardens owns or holds the leases to 27 properties across the city, helping to protect gardens against pressure from development. By giving gardens a stable, predictable future, Milwaukee Urban Gardens is helping to make our city a greener, healthier, more community oriented place for years to come.