INSPIRED BY THE PEOPLE'S GARDEN AT THE U-S
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN WASHINGTON, D-C,
A LOCAL CHURCH AND NEIGHBORHOOD GOT TOGETHER
TO BUILD A COMMUNITY GARDEN TO HELP THE UNDERPRIVILEDGED.
PARKVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH AND THE STEPHEN FOSTER NEIGHBORHOOD
IN GAINESVILLE FLORIDA JOINED FORCES ON THE PROJECT.
Marty Mesh, Exec: This one is called GIFT Gardens.
It's Gainesville initiative for tasty gardens. GIFT gardens.
We've always believed that the most efficient way to
help low income and those most at risk is to teach
them to maybe grow some of their own food or help
them, you know, be able to grow some of their own food.
WITH HELP FROM U-S-D-A'S NATURAL RESOURCES
CONSERVATION SERVICE, THE GIFT GARDENERS HOPE TO PROVIDE
FRESH AFFORDABLE PRODUCE TO GAINESVILLE'S UNDERPRIVELEGED
Jean-Paul Calixte: That's what it's all about,
bringing people together to work in a
garden project that will benefit not only
ourselves, because we are producing fresh
vegetables, but we can also share the bounty if
you will with other local organizations that are
serving the hungry.
IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING PRODUCE,
GIFT GARDENERS SAY GARDENING IS A GREAT WAY
FOR PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY TO INTERACT.
Melissa Desa: People get a lot out of these gardens.
They are eating good food, they're getting outside.
In this case this is going to connect the church
members even more with their community and
getting those kids to eat some good food.
U-S-D-A'S PEOPLE'S GARDEN EFFORT PROMOTES LOCAL
GARDENS AND ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO NURTURE,
MAINTAIN, AND PROTECT A HEALTHY LANDSCAPE.
FOR THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
I'M BOB ELLISON.
