In mums back yard im growing herbs in a old bath tub and some pots and over summer because im in australia i was able to get a few small tomatoes and small pepers.
The local council has started doing comminuty gardens but there still isnt enough of them plus it doesnt help that they have blown there budget by a few 100,000.
I have done a few council run workshops that have given you a basic idea of making soap or fermenting food or worm farming for free and there always good to attend as from these hands on events we have always bought home a small sample like soap or a food item