Consumer choice continues to migrate away from grocery store shelves toward the farm gate.  Many local farmers' markets are now becoming the go-to source for safe, fresh, and nutritious food for communities across the state, including Grant County. Over the past growing season, many individuals have turned away from the conventional food supply, leading to increased demand for locally grown fresh produce, meat, and eggs.

In response, a community-wide effort was launched to raise awareness of local food systems and to increase youth education in horticulture, particularly vegetable gardening. Representatives from the Grant County Cooperative Extension Service, Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Grant County and Williamstown Independent School Systems, Williamstown High School and Grant County High School FFA Programs, and Grant County Farmer’s Market supporters collaborated to develop and expand a community garden. This garden aimed to showcase local farm products and provide for those in need.

Led by the Family Resource Youth Service and Agriculture Agents, a program was developed for gardening. From this effort a community garden was built.  Families participate by learning gardening skills and may harvest fresh vegetables when they are ready.  This weekly work-learn series offered 11 families’ insights into growing fresh vegetables and herbs inside and around their homes. Participants received grab-and-go bags that included starter soil media, a variety of vegetable plant seeds, starter trays, and herb transplants.

Following the program, local volunteer leaders worked with eight families to establish personal gardens and raised beds, helping them further utilize the transplants they had grown. To date, there have been reports of harvests from participating families. Half of the attendees intend to adopt some form of food preservation to enjoy the fruits of their labor long after the growing season ends. Additionally, two individuals indicated that their new gardening skills generated them almost $3,500 in sales by setting up a stand at the local farmers' market.