Core Values

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• Physical Safety: Ensure the garden space is free of hazards, tools are safely stored, and clear guidelines for safe tool use are established. Knowing the physical boundaries of the space and having predictable routines can also enhance safety. 
• Emotional Safety: Cultivate an environment of acceptance, respect, and non-judgment. Emphasize gentle interactions with plants and the environment. Allow individuals to participate at their own pace and opt out of activities without pressure.

• Be clear about the goals of gardening activities and what participants can expect.
• Communicate openly and honestly about tasks, timelines (if any), and any changes to the plan.
• Build trust by being consistent, reliable, and following through on commitments.

• Encourage teamwork and shared responsibility in the garden.
• Facilitate positive interactions and a sense of community among participants.
• Group activities can foster social skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

• Recognize that individuals may have diverse relationships with food systems, farming, and gardening based on their backgrounds.
• Be mindful of potential sensitivities and create an inclusive environment that honors different identities and perspectives.
• Incorporate culturally significant plants or practices if appropriate and desired by participants.

• Offer choices in gardening tasks, such as what to plant, where to plant it, or how to care for it.
• Value participants' input and ideas.
• Help individuals develop a sense of ownership and control over their gardening experiences. This can counteract feelings of helplessness often associated with trauma.

At the heart of the Brain Food Garden Project lies a deep commitment to diversity. We firmly believe our gardens can serve as profound healing spaces for everyone. From addressing the deep wounds of historical bias and trauma, to providing a safe haven for a Black transgender person facing threats in their community, our gardens offer solace and acceptance. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of hate in our gardens and farms. Becoming a BFF (Brain Food Farmer) requires a dedication to empathy and acceptance. 

The Brain Food Garden Project (BFGP) is excited to introduce "LGBTQIA+ PRIDE in Our Mental Health," a new annual awareness celebration dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. Launching on Friday, May 16, 2025, this initiative will be observed every year on the third Friday of May, aligning with Mental Health Awareness Month.

For the first year we kicked things off with a robust social media campaign and the release of a comprehensive toolkit, providing actionable ways to support LGBTQIA+ mental health.

This initiative is deeply rooted in the vision of BFGP's Founder Sean Brennan. As an openly queer farmer, Sean's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment forms the bedrock of our organization. Under his leadership as Executive Director, every Brain Food Garden Project initiative is cultivated as a safe and affirming space for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and sex characteristics.

Sean emphasizes, "Our workshops, partner gardens, and all future projects are built on the fundamental belief that everyone deserves a space to grow and thrive, both physically and mentally. As a queer individual, I understand how vital it is to feel safe and celebrated. 'LGBTQIA+ PRIDE in Our Mental Health' is a natural extension of our commitment to creating havens where the LGBTQIA+ community is not only welcomed but truly honored. As the Brain Food Garden Project expands, so too will this significant day of recognition."

Through our garden projects and outreach, the Brain Food Garden Project is dedicated to actively celebrating and affirming all facets of queer identity. This includes:

• Affirming Communication: We use inclusive language and visuals across all our platforms, especially on social media.
• Honoring Queer Heritage: We recognize and share the significant contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals in fields relevant to our work through our toolkit and online content.
• Celebrating Diversity in Nature: We highlight plants and their cultural significance within LGBTQIA+ communities in our campaigns and toolkit.
• Fostering Connection: We create opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals to connect and build community, both in our garden spaces and online.
• Resource Partnerships: We collaborate with organizations that provide vital mental health support to the LGBTQIA+ community, with information readily available in our toolkit.

Every year our toolkit will be updated and available for download on the third Friday of Mental Health Awareness month, to celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ mental health awareness. In promoting the event on social media we ask that you use the hashtag: #OurPrideQueerMinds.