According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a person should consume fruits and vegetables daily as part of a healthy eating pattern to reduce their risk for chronic diseases such as, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity.  Also, less than 10% of older adults meet the dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake.  Many of those in Knox County were not aware of how to garden to produce fresh fruits and vegetables.  

              The Knox County Family and Consumer Sciences agent and Agricultural agent established a raised vegetable garden at a local Addiction Treatment Center.   This garden provided connections between group participants to work in the garden and the agricultural agent provided education regarding gardening skills.   Each day participants were able to plant in the garden, water the garden and work in the garden to increase their knowledge.    

              As a result of this program, 20 participants increased their knowledge in home gardening skills and increased knowledge regarding raised vegetable beds. 20 participants spent time outside with others working in the garden and socializing with others. This garden gave group members time to enjoy sunshine instead of being inside for group meetings.  Once vegetables ripen, participants will learn basic preparation skills for produce.  One participant stated, “he really enjoyed taking responsibility for the vegetable garden every day.”