Join the Fight Against Food Insecurity: Community Garden Teams Up with SEMO Food Bank – Latest Updates from KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau & Paducah

JACKSON, Mo. – As the weather warms up, many people are getting outside to walk, play sports, and garden. One local initiative is harnessing this energy to help those in need.

The Jackson Community Garden is teaming up with the Southeast Missouri (SEMO) Food Bank this year. Their goal is to provide fresh produce to families facing food insecurity.

Founded last year, the garden is maintained by the Buttheadz Growers Club, led by President Erick Engleheart. It was created with primarily donated materials, showcasing a strong community spirit. “We didn’t have much money, so we used what we could find,” Engleheart shares. “We built the beds out of pallets and got others to help us buy soil.”

This season, the garden is buzzing with growth. Crops like broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, and various herbs are all intended for donation. Engleheart highlights the importance of fresh produce over canned goods, noting, “There are so many hungry people. Fresh vegetables can provide better nutrition.”

Engleheart’s partnership with SEMO Food Bank began when he met Ryan McQuay at a local market. They quickly discovered their shared mission: to reduce food insecurity in the area. “We are incredibly grateful for it,” McQuay expresses. “Getting local produce allows us to ensure freshness and get it to people fast.”

Fresh fruits and vegetables are crucial, especially because they spoil quickly. McQuay explains that proper nutrition is a key focus for the food bank, making these donations vital. He acknowledges how impactful community support can be, emphasizing, “When we get help from community members like Erick, it really makes a difference.”

This is the first collaboration between SEMO Food Bank and Buttheadz Growers Club, and both organizations are excited about their future together. They encourage community involvement, whether through donations or volunteering.

For those wanting to learn more about how to help, you can visit semofoodbank.org.

Notably, community gardens have become a growing trend in urban areas nationwide. According to a 2022 report, they have helped reduce food deserts and promote healthier eating habits. As groups like the Buttheadz Growers Club continue to thrive, their impact on local food sources becomes increasingly important.

Source link