Tulsa, Okla. — On Wednesday, volunteers from A New Leaf and Food on the Move rolled up their sleeves in a joint effort to grow fresh produce for families facing economic hardship across the Tulsa metro area. The partnership highlights how two local nonprofits can combine resources to strengthen the community.
Collaboration in the greenhouse
A New Leaf, a nonprofit that serves over 500 clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, operates several greenhouses and garden centers where staff grow and sell plants. By teaming up with Food on the Move, an organization dedicated to delivering healthy food to underserved neighborhoods, the two groups created a shared workspace for planting, harvesting, and even janitorial duties.
“We experience a tremendous amount of joy partnering with other nonprofits that help us give back to the community,” said Food on the Move CEO Tina Parkhill. “When you align with other people in the community that want to provide access and resources to community members that may not have it, these types of partnerships are critical and essential.”
Impact on families
The produce cultivated in the joint greenhouse will be distributed through Food on the Move’s existing delivery network, reaching families who rely on the organization for nutritious meals. By expanding the supply of locally grown vegetables, the partnership aims to improve food security and promote healthier eating habits among Tulsa’s most vulnerable residents.
“It feels pretty good to know that we help people,” said Miguel Ortega, an employee of A New Leaf who works in the greenhouse. “I started learning how to grow some plants. It makes me proud to get the job done.” Ortega’s experience reflects the broader mission of A New Leaf: providing meaningful employment and skill‑building opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Why the partnership matters
Both nonprofits emphasize that collaboration amplifies impact. By sharing greenhouse space, equipment, and labor, they reduce operational costs while increasing the volume of fresh produce available to families in need. The joint effort also serves as a model for other charitable organizations seeking to maximize limited resources through cooperative ventures.
Parkhill added, “I hope it’s an example of what they can do, and we’re always going to be better together than separately.” The sentiment underscores a core belief among Tulsa’s faith‑based and family‑focused groups: working together strengthens the fabric of the community.
Looking ahead
Both A New Leaf and Food on the Move plan to continue the partnership throughout the growing season, exploring additional ways to expand their reach. Future initiatives may include community gardening workshops, nutrition education classes, and volunteer training programs that further empower Tulsa residents.
For now, the joint greenhouse stands as a tangible reminder that when local nonprofits unite, they can sow the seeds of hope, health, and self‑reliance for families across the city.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
