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In 2001, Community Leaders in the St. Johns Woods apartments (now Cathedral Gardens Apartments) in North Portland, organized with Janus Youth Programs' support to build a community garden in direct response to the poverty, isolation, gang activity and hunger that impacted their community and families. Janus Youth Programs has continued to nurture the growth of Village Gardens over the years.

Village Gardens has roots in three North Portland low-income housing neighborhoods; Cathedral Gardens, Tamaracks and New Columbia. These neighborhoods are defined by some of the county’s highest poverty rates, large concentrations of non-English speaking residents and people of color, limited service infrastructure and limited access to fresh, healthy, affordable food.

Residents have long been challenged by issues of food security and marginal community development. 69% of residents are people of color (26% is the average for all of Multnomah County). 83% of children and youth live in poverty. 46% of households are headed by single mothers. 42% of the population is under age 18. 75% of the community is eligible for SNAP benefits. 95% of children are on free or reduced lunch.

Village Gardens builds on 20 years of community-led solutions to create programs that enrich our communities. Village Gardens has created a cohesive neighborhood based food system that is in response to the need for all communities to have access to healthy and fresh food regardless of income. In parallel, Village Gardens provides the employment and leadership development that is a foundation for communities working for change.