Centers for Disease Control (CDC)-1809 grant funds were awarded to the University of Kentucky (UK) Cooperative Extension Service for increasing access to healthier foods and active living resources in Martin County, Kentucky. This year the grant team was able to re-engage a faith-based organization and formed a strong working partnership to start a community garden. The UK CDC-1809 grant team developed and provided a community garden planning guide. The planning guide contained practical information and best practices for implementing a community garden.  Church leadership shared that this document was a great help in organizing the start of the garden. The Martin County Cooperative Extension Office Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent was also a tremendous help in doing soil testing and a list of supplies needed for the 100 foot garden.

The ‘His Garden’ Community Garden provides an opportunity to share and teach gardening skills to the broader community and will increase healthy food access for underserved and vulnerable individuals in the community. The UK CDC-1809 team leveraged grant funds to purchase garden supplies, a shed, and garden tiller to facilitate the garden ministry in teaching participants about a more efficient and cost-effective way engage in agricultural practices. Community and congregation volunteers will grow produce on the property of the Turkey Creek Nazarene Church, in partnership with the Martin County Cooperative Extension Office. The produce will be harvested and provided to those underserved and food insecure in the community.