In Memory of Dr. Andrew “Andy” Jameton, Co-Founder of City Sprouts

by: Emily Ramelb, Communications + Development Manager

Photo: Andy Jameton conversing with neighbors and volunteers in City Sprouts North community garden

In Memory of Dr. Andrew “Andy” Jameton, City Sprouts Honors His Work in Laying the Foundation to Help Communities Thrive

[Omaha, Neb.] From “digging” deep in community connections to years of dedication to environmental ethics, Dr. Andrew “Andy” Jameton (PhD) laid the foundation for substantial growth and development.

In November 2022, Andy passed away at age 79 in St. Paul, Minn. Deeply saddened by this news, City Sprouts, Inc. began gathering stories to pay tribute to Andy, who co-founded the organization.

Some of City Sprouts’ earliest gardeners, peers and board members recalled fond pastimes with Andy. “He was absolutely one of a kind,” says Ellen Duysen, “Without his tremendous thinking, this [City Sprouts] would have never happened”.

Photo: Andy Jameton poses behind trellis with City Sprouts North garden volunteers

Andy took City Sprouts under his wing and gathered people who were fascinated by gardening and uplifting the community. “His desire to enhance food security and community engagement merged with his desire to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in lower-income neighborhoods,” says Rebecca “Becky” Anderson, “He felt that strong communities were essential to thriving, and believed that gardening together would not only yield fresh produce, but also promote physical activity and cohesion among neighbors.”

Photo: Becky Anderson enjoying a Maypole celebration in the City Sprouts North garden

Soon, more and more neighbors began showing up to the garden with a desire to get involved. As an unexpected gift, a local philanthropist purchased and donated the home in which City Sprouts still resides today. The organization was quickly growing and evolving.

Photo: Neighbors exploring City Sprouts North garden during Maypole celebration, 1994

There was a renewed interest in bettering the space. Becky Anderson and Jeanine “Jeanie” Dickes were tasked with redesigning the garden. Andy continued efforts in securing grant funding, allowing more opportunities than ever before. Thanks to donations (e.g., native plants, shrubs, and more), incredible volunteers, and the hard work of City Sprouts’ earliest stakeholders, the organization and its home were revitalized.

As Ellen stated, City Sprouts’ growth and development as an organization, dedicated to serving communities in need, would not have been possible without the tremendous groundwork laid by Andy and many others. “Andy approached everything with curiosity, a fresh perspective, and an open heart,” says Becky Anderson.

Photo: Andy Jameton and neighbors tending to City Sprouts North hellstrip plants

Touching memories and stories were shared with City Sprouts, describing Andy as an intellectual big-thinker, skilled dancer, caring friend, and so much more. “All of us at City Sprouts are grateful to Andy for his vision in the founding of the organization,” shared Katie Kresha, Executive Director of City Sprouts. “We honor his legacy as we continue his work to build community through gardening, engagement, and resource sharing; he will be greatly missed.”