Vacant lots are neglected parcels of land, with no permanent structures (like buildings or houses). Vacant lots create a sense of abandonment, which leads to crime, disinvestment, and lowers the surrounding property values. Vacant lot activation has the potential to add value to city parcels, and create a more welcoming space that is used by the community until the city can sell the land to a developer The Hartford Food Project intends to increase local food production in the City of Hartford by activating vacant lots throughout the community. Vacant lot uses include vegetable production, education and outreach, art installations, orchards and community gathering.