hey a local town actually did this!
they planted berries, root vegetables, leafy greens, herbs, all sorts. they label each plant and the sign said "free to take, leave some for others to enjoy!"
and people did. they took a bit, but left some for others.
it also fed the homeless people living around there.
bearing in mind this is a tourist town, so i half expected to see the plants gone. but nope, there's always some left.
people aren't naturally selfish, and they will share. the initiative works
And honestly? Most people who don't need it won't bother to stop and pick fruit. It's only people who actually need it who will devote the time. People with money still have grocery stores.
[Image description: tweet by Black Botanist @CreativeTiana: transcript follows]
I was talking to someone about planting food and fruit trees in public spaces and they were like “Why so everyone can steal the food?”
And I was like “See, that’s the problem right there. Why should taking food off a public tree be stealing?”
"Urban food forest" is something I'm hearing more and more. Do some poking around, there may be an opportunity to help with or start something like this near you.
