Community Garden Needs You or Do You Need It?
Article submitted by Lynn Kasma
Recent news reports have shown a dozen countries worldwide in the midst of food riots protesting the cost and availability of food. This global issue will inevitably trickle down to us in some form though hopefully not as severe. Regardless those who are struggling to make ends meet are feeling the pinch of increased prices at the grocery store and gas pumps and any relief available will be welcome. So the question is: Is it time to become involved in a community garden to ease your own budget or give to help someone else’s?
In either case the New York Mills community garden needs your help. As a result of the Horizons program, a comprehensive approach to fight poverty in rural America, a group of dedicated volunteers are working diligently to offer local residents a chance to participate by: reserving a 10′ by 10′ plot for personal or group use, donating tools and other items or through volunteer time. In addition to individual plots a shared vegetable, herb and children’s space will be available. All plots are free of charge with only a nominal commitment of time required.
To reserve a garden plot contact Lynn Kasma at 385-4060 or through e-mail at lrkasma@hotmail.com. If you visited the March Trade Show and filled out a form at the Horizons booth then you’re already on the list. Current plans are for 12 plots unless demands require more. They will be offered on a first come basis and we welcome civic groups, church groups or service groups who want to challenge their green thumb skills and provide for the needy.
To donate, a list of items needed include: garden tools, hoses, plant support systems, fertilizer, black dirt and a shed. The drop off location for tools is the NYM Regional Cultural Center. For any other items contact Lynn or Kevin Cederstrom at 385-4136.
To volunteer time to help prepare the soil, build the shed, paint signage or share your gardening knowledge please contact Lynn or Kevin for times and dates.
In conjunction with the community garden there will be a series of classes covering organic gardening techniques, food canning, freezing and storing methods, green issues supporting local food production and consumption, alternative energy innovations and art classes utilizing the inedible portions of garden plants. These classes will be offered through the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, 4-H, U of M Extension, I.S.D. #553 and other local organizations. This collaborative effort is further supported by the City Council with approved use of public land, for the garden, next to the City Shop.
Additional benefits for involvement in the community garden include:
- Support of green issues by eating food locally grown
- Improved health through exercise and consumption of organic produce
- Positive family activity- teaching your children respect for the earth and skills to provide for themselves
- Helping the less fortunate by sharing excess produce
- Reducing the cost of your personal food budget
Your help is needed to help alleviate poverty in our community. The Horizons program is offered through the U of M Extension Service with a $10,000 grant from the Northwest Area Foundation.