2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Community gardens have historically addressed educational, economic, environmental, and health needs within their communities, leading to financial benefits as well as increases to food security. In the United States, community gardens were initially promoted in urban centers to provide skill training to youth and the unemployed. Today community gardeners are focused on alleviating food insecurity and building a sense of cohesion in their neighborhoods. Mississippi consistently rates high among states where food insecurity is greatest. In coastal Mississippi, there are several proactive projects addressing the issue. The People’s Garden program was initiated by the USDA to unite neighbors in a common effort and inspire locally led solutions to challenges facing our country - from hunger to climate change. This program is made up of a network of school community gardens across the United States. Cooperative efforts between the Harrison Co. Soil and Water Conservation District, Mississippi State University, and NRCS have supported several projects in Harrison County, MS. Additionally, in order to provide additional support for food security as well as educational programs directed at youth and adults, community garden and education projects were initiated in Hancock County, MS. These programs consist of two community gardens located within the Bay St. Louis and Waveland, MS communities as well as home gardening educational programs associated with the community in Lakeshore, MS. The primary community garden site in Bay St. Louis is focused on the production of fresh vegetables and fruits for donation to food pantries and community centers. Current amount of donations are approximately 275 kg of vegetables and fruit per season. The garden also serves as a demonstration garden to instruct community members in all aspect of home food production. In partnership with the Hancock County Youth Drug Court, educational programs directed toward at-risk youth were developed and a second community garden was created specifically targeted inclusion of these youth. Programs in financial management and nutrition were linked to garden activities. Lastly, in cooperation with church groups located in Lakeshore, MS, an area severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina, education programs were conducted addressing food insecurity through home production of fruits and vegetables. These programs focus on home production of high value produce.