The Rising Threat of Drought for Summer Nutrition
As temperatures soar and rainfall becomes increasingly unpredictable, community gardens—once reliable summer sanctuaries for fresh produce—are facing new challenges. In many parts of the U.S., worsening drought conditions are drying out the soil, straining local resources, and threatening the food security of families who rely on these gardens to bridge the gap during the summer months.
At Feed America, we understand that hunger doesn’t take a summer break. While school-based meal programs pause for vacation, many families turn to local gardens, food banks, and nutrition initiatives to fill the void. Community gardens, in particular, play a critical role in offering access to affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables during this seasonal gap. But as drought conditions intensify across the country, the sustainability of these gardens—and the programs that depend on them—is at risk.
In urban neighborhoods and rural areas alike, community gardens provide more than just food. They serve as educational tools, hubs for local engagement, and critical lifelines for nutritional access. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that these gardens improve diet, increase physical activity, and strengthen community ties. During summer, their role becomes even more vital, especially for families with limited access to grocery stores or reliable transportation.
However, extreme drought conditions—like those that plagued California between 2012 and 2016—have exposed just how fragile these food systems can be. Water restrictions implemented during prolonged dry periods often mean gardens receive less irrigation or must rely on alternative sources like rain barrels, which are insufficient in arid stretches. Without consistent watering, many plants become stressed, leading to smaller yields, withering crops, and, ultimately, a reduced supply of fresh produce for surrounding communities.
The problem is not confined to the West Coast. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than one-third of the country has experienced moderate to extreme drought in recent years, affecting not just commercial agriculture but small-scale urban farms and community growing spaces as well. These climate-related disruptions can make it significantly harder for local nutrition programs to maintain the steady supply of fresh produce they rely on to support food-insecure populations.
How Drought Undermines Garden Health and Food Access
Drought conditions don't just reduce water—they fundamentally alter the ecosystem of a garden. When soil lacks moisture, it also loses critical nutrients that plants need to thrive. According to the U.S. Drought Portal, dry soil can lead to nutrient deficiencies, disrupt microbial activity, and increase vulnerability to pests and plant diseases. For community gardens that already operate on limited budgets, replacing soil or applying additional treatments isn't always feasible, making each growing season more unpredictable.
As the soil quality degrades, so does the harvest. Drought-stressed plants often yield smaller or misshapen produce, or in some cases, no edible crops at all. The USDA’s Climate Hubs warn that even short-term droughts can significantly reduce yields in small-scale agriculture, particularly when drought hits early in the growing season. These impacts are especially damaging in urban food deserts, where residents depend on community gardens to supplement their diets with fresh, affordable produce that might not be available in nearby stores.
Water restrictions—common during state-declared drought emergencies—add another layer of challenge. In cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, gardeners have faced fines or penalties for exceeding daily water limits, even when using that water for food production. While some municipalities provide exceptions or incentives for sustainable agriculture, others do not, leaving community gardens with few options other than to reduce planting or let beds go fallow.
Even for gardens with access to alternative watering methods, like collected rainwater or greywater systems, a prolonged drought limits the volume they can safely store. And without proper hydration, crops like tomatoes, leafy greens, and root vegetables—often staples of summer nutrition programs—suffer the most.
These setbacks have downstream consequences for summer feeding programs and organizations working to close the hunger gap. When community gardens fail to meet expected yields, food banks and local distribution networks must scramble to find replacement sources, which often means resorting to shelf-stable or processed foods. While still valuable, these substitutes lack the fresh, high-nutrient profile that garden produce offers—particularly important for children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.
Building Resilience: What Communities Can Do
Despite the challenges, many community gardens across the country are adapting through creative and sustainable solutions. Garden coordinators are increasingly turning to techniques like xeriscaping—landscaping that requires little or no irrigation—and incorporating drought-tolerant crops such as beans, okra, and certain herbs that can thrive in arid conditions. These choices reduce water dependency while still producing nutrient-rich foods that can support summer nutrition efforts.
Other effective practices include mulching to retain soil moisture and installing drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste. While some of these upgrades can be costly upfront, they offer long-term savings and ensure more reliable yields during dry seasons. The Environmental Protection Agency promotes these types of conservation techniques as key tools in maintaining healthy green spaces during water shortages.
Rainwater harvesting is another growing strategy, especially in urban areas. Though its success depends on some rainfall, storing water during wetter months helps extend irrigation options into the dry season. Additionally, some cities now offer rebates or incentives for installing water-saving systems—a step toward making these technologies more accessible for low-budget gardens.
Policy also plays a critical role. Advocates are pushing for more city ordinances that protect urban agriculture during drought emergencies, along with funding to expand infrastructure in underserved areas. On a federal level, the USDA’s Urban Agriculture Toolkit provides guidance for starting and sustaining gardens in city environments, including best practices for managing water use in changing climates.
Cultivating Solutions for a Changing Climate
At Feed America, we believe long-term food security must include environmental resilience. As droughts grow more frequent and severe, the importance of protecting community gardens—and the fresh food access they provide—cannot be overstated. These local spaces are more than planting beds; they’re essential lifelines for families during the most vulnerable times of the year.
That’s why we continue to highlight strategies and practices that help communities adapt to changing conditions. From promoting water-smart gardening to supporting local efforts that nourish families during summer months, we’re committed to a future where climate challenges don’t dictate who has access to nutrition. Together, through awareness, advocacy, and action, we can ensure that gardens continue to grow—and that every American has a fair shot at a healthy summer.
