On September 20th, something extraordinary happened in Riviera Beach.
At #RivieraRoots, we didn’t just celebrate gardens — we celebrated transformation. Residents, youth, chefs, and changemakers came together to prove that climate resilience starts at the community level, one garden at a time.
This city-wide initiative distributed 500 Garden Grow Kits, installed 200 raised beds, and hosted 8 weeks of hands-on workshops to teach residents how to grow their own food, reclaim their health, and build a more sustainable future.
But the real story belongs to the residents. Through their eyes.
Leah: “The Garden Helped Me in So Many Ways”
“The garden took this quiet individual and allowed me to interact with so many people that I became more willing to speak with others. We were able to grow together and grow food and grow the community with nutritious meals. The bonus: my vitamin D levels increased to where I was no longer at risk.”
— Leah, Riviera Beach Resident
Leah didn’t just grow vegetables — she grew her confidence, her community connections, and her health.
Ingrid: “A Dead Pepper Plant Came Back to Life”
“After transplanting a once-dead pepper plant into the nutrient-rich soil from Big Green, I was thrilled to see it come back to life, ultimately producing a green pepper. This experience has equipped me with invaluable insights.”
— Ingrid, RivieraRoots Participant
Ingrid’s story is one of empowerment. A dead plant became a symbol of possibility — and proof that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can grow.
Ilyakim: “Programs Like This Help Us Change”
“I am born and raised in Riviera Beach, and to see how the city is changing to grow food is incredible. The city was once a tough city, with little to no outlets for kids. Now programs like this help us to change, calm down, and see the world from a better perspective.”
— Ilyakim, RivieraRoots Participant & Resident
Ilyakim’s words remind us: RivieraRoots isn’t just changing gardens — it’s changing lives, perspectives, and futures.
Youth Leading the Way
One of the most powerful moments? Watching our Riviera Beach Environmental Detectives in action — youth leaders mapping environmental assets, monitoring community health, and stepping into their roles as climate champions.
They’re not waiting for permission. They’re leading now.
The Power of Partnership
RivieraRoots was made possible by an incredible coalition:
💜 Private Donor
🌿 Big Green
🍎 American Heart Association
🏛️ Councilwoman Shirley Lanier
🏙️ City of Riviera Beach
We also heard from Mayor Doug Lawson, Council Chairperson Shirley Lanier, and City Environmental Staff — all committed to building a healthier, more resilient Riviera Beach.
This is what’s possible when the government, nonprofits, residents, and youth work together.
What Grows After the Event
RivieraRoots isn’t a one-time event. It’s a movement.
The gardens are growing. The workshops continue. A community cookbook is in development. Neighbors are teaching neighbors. Youth are mentoring youth.
This initiative is part of E-RoadMap’s broader mission to build food sovereignty, climate resilience, and community empowerment — connected to our HydroHUB, Food Is Medicine, and GrowForwardprograms.
Because food security isn’t just about access — it’s about agency.
An Invitation
If you’re thinking, “We need this in our city,” — you’re right.
RivieraRoots is replicable, scalable, and proof that when you invest in residents and co-create solutions, transformation happens.
Here’s what I know:
- Food is medicine.
- Gardens are gathering places.
- Youth are leaders, not just the future.
- Climate resilience starts at the community level.
Let’s share what we’ve learned. Let’s build on the roots we’ve planted.
This is what’s possible when a city decides to grow together. 🌱💜
#RivieraRoots #Sustainability #UrbanGardening #ClimateAction #CommunityFirst #FoodJustice #Eroadmap #GreenLiving #EnvironmentalEquity #RivieraBeach #HealthEquity #YouthLeadership
