In the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, nutrition and obesity were two of the top health challenges facing Grayson County residents. The low rankings nationally and statewide in diabetes, adult obesity and limited access to healthy food, are all problems that needed attention.  Twin Lakes Regional Medical center created a Population Health Committee to respond to these needs, and in doing so, created the idea of a community garden for families that do not have a means to grow fresh produce at home.  In 2017, the Partners in Health Coalition reached out to partner with the organization to collaborate an effort to research, design and create a community garden. TLRMC was generous enough to donate land behind the hospital which is centrally located in the community. Local businesses and farmers donated dirt, compost, materials, and time to clear off and construct the raised bed sites. They created 12 raised bed sites, 8 large (80 square feet) and 4 small (48 square feet). They had water spigot run to access water, and plan to get a shed with some tools donated by the end of the 2018 growing season. The Master Gardeners held two informational programs to promote the garden sites, and provide some basic vegetable gardening education for potential renters. They also are using one bed to grow an herb garden that will be used for educational purposes, as well as free use to those who use the gardens. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops are using a bed to have a garden contest and will donate the food to the food pantry as it becomes available. As of May 2018, there are 5 beds being used, and the members expect that to increase with more publicity in the local community. The community garden has been promoted in the Extension program newsletters, local radio, newspaper, social media, and through word-of-mouth.

This project showed the willingness of the community to come together to help increase the availability of fresh local produce to people in Grayson County. The goal is to get residents making healthier choices and receiving education about gardening from reliable sources in the Master Gardener Association members.