Oldham County is one of the most affluent counties in Kentucky, but 5% of the population is in poverty.  While Kentucky’s poverty rate fell 1.4% since 2019, Oldham County’s poverty rate increased by .1% since then.  One of the ways identified to address food insecurity among those in poverty is to help them learn how to grow food.  Oldham County Extension addressed this need by offering four programs to one of our local food banks, operated through Grace & Glory Lutheran Church and community volunteers.  Extension staff involved in these programs included the Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, the Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, the Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program Assistant, and an Extension Program Assistant.  Programs were offered at the food bank April through August 2022.

Each program provided the following seeds, plants, and UK & KSU Extension resources:

• Windowsill Garden Kits
• Herb Seeds, Squash Seeds, Kale Seeds, Pea Seeds, and potted herb plants
• Gardening Calendars
• Gardening How-to Guides for garden spaces and container gardens
• Healthy recipes that featured herbs and vegetables covered in the programs

We chose herbs since they could easily be grown both indoors and outdoors.  Fresh herbs add much flavor to foods, which is a plus since food banks are often limited to staple/whole foods that benefit from seasoning.   Additionally, herbs add flavor and often reduce the amount of salt used in food preparation and consumption. 

Over 50 food bank clients participated, with approximately 70% committing to growing herbs and vegetables.  Despite some not having an outdoor garden space, participants were able to utilize the windowsill gardens to grow herbs indoors.  Many clients said they had space for containers to grow vegetables, so one program offered potted herb containers for outdoor gardening.  25% of participants said they successfully grew herbs indoors.  One participant tried an herb that she had not used before and was amazed at the flavor it added to foods.  

We will continue offering food bank garden programs in spring 2023, with more focus and resources provided to accommodate container gardening.