Community Garden Program Launch

Fresh produce can be easily accessible this summer for participants in the Grinnell Giving Gardens, a new partnership between the Poweshiek County Community Transformation Grant, Imagine Grinnell, and several area churches and youth programs.

Several community gardens will be created this spring thanks to funding support by the Community Transformation Grant’s program, “Our Community Deserves.”

“Giving Gardens expand free distribution of vegetables to low-income families and members of the community, who help plant, nurture, water, and harvest the gardens,” says Chad Nath, Poweshiek County Community Transformation Grant. “We are pairing summer youth programs such as The Galaxy and GRMC’s Summer Camp with garden plots at various locations. The youth will learn the basics of gardening and maintaining a garden. In return, they can enjoy the bounty of their efforts.”

St. John’s Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Summer Street Park will also host and manage garden plots and share their harvest with the community. Plans are to send produce to the MICA Food Pantry during the growing season.

Gardening supplies were purchased with grant funds and seeds have been donated by various individuals. The labor will be provided by various groups and individuals.

Iowa Community Transformation Grant is working with communities across the state to provide healthier food options. It’s much easier to eat healthy when places like convenience stores, farmer’s markets, and community gardens offer fresh produce.

“The renewed focus on fresh, locally grown produce has spurred much interest in the community gardens. We’re excited to see the youth groups getting involved and teaching gardening skills at a young age,” Nath says.