Fresh food accessibility can be minimal when operating on a limited budget.  This can be especially true without knowledge of how to properly grow and prepare fresh food products.  Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority expressed an interest in learning more about growing fresh vegetables, proper gardening techniques and utilization of fresh vegetables in recipes.  

In response, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Simpson County NEP Assistant worked together to receive the NEP School and Community Garden Grant in the amount of $1,500.  After working with staff at the Housing Authority, a location, desired plants and number of families to be served was determined. The grant was used for Extension employees to purchase soil for the raised bed gardens and gardening tools.  Extension collaborated with the local FFA chapter to construct the raised beds.  These raised beds along with a small tilled area were utilized to demonstrate how to properly grow fresh vegetables in small spaces based on University of Kentucky recommendations. 

Participants consist of twelve families that live in the Franklin Housing Authority.  Participants have enjoyed self-fulfillment from growing their own vegetables and eating healthier while stretching their food dollar.  Residents have learned about the need for soil testing, how to construct and plant raised beds, proper plant spacing, maintaining, harvesting and preparing their own vegetables, variety selection, crops for the summer and fall garden, mulching methods and weed control, and how to properly scout for insects and diseases.   The demonstration garden consisted of raised beds, various weed control methods and mulching material in the tilled ground, the Florida weave tomato staking method, and a timed irrigation system.  Post-harvest participants have learned how to utilize KY Proud recipes with the Simpson County NEP Assistant.  A food preservation workshop will be offered by the Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences for those participating in the garden project.  Therefore, all participants are capable of growing their own produce, utilizing the produce in meals, and will learn how preserve the produce properly for future use.