2012-01-03 "Community garden program set to branch out"
[http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_19663714]
CHICO — As part of a grant program being run by Chico State University, the hope is that more people will learn how to grow their own fruit and vegetables.
The $500,000 grant includes community gardens, cooking classes and better access to locally-grown food by low-income buyers.
For the community gardens, it's early in the process and people can suggest locations. One of the most important things is to find people who are willing to be volunteer coordinators and helpers. The program helpers can access plants, seeds and resource guides.
The focus is on the Chico area.
Examples of existing community gardens include one at 14th Street and Mulberry, used by the Jesus Center. This was a vacant lot where food is now grown.
Another is at the Murphy Commons housing complex, on Notre Dame Boulevard.
Another garden has a partnership with the ARC, where people from the independent living program help grow the food. Yet another works with Opt for Healthy Living, http://www.optforhealthyliving.org/.
Monica Bell is handling phone inquires, and can be reached at 588-0441.
One of the key people working with the gardens will be Stephanie Elliott, who works with GRUB (Growing Resourcefully, Uniting Bellies). The group has helped community members with various projects over the years.
What they are looking for are people who say, "Wow, I like this idea. I want to be a part of it and am willing to run that garden," Elliott said.
"We give them the tools and techniques."
The location can vary from a front yard, to a quarter acre in someone's back yard, or a shared area.
Other aspects of the program include cooking demonstrations and about two events a month over the next two years. Those involved with the grant also will form a group that will continue to look at the nutritional needs of the community.
The idea for community gardens already has begun to generate phone calls.
The grant was awarded by the specialty crop program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The funding is part of $55 million delivered nationwide, including $18.6 million in California.