Due to the recognition of the benefits of local food production there has been an increase in people seeking locally grown and produced products or learning how to produce fruits and vegetables themselves. Not only do customers enjoy the enhanced flavors of locally produced foods there is a perceived sense of security in knowing where your food comes from. Community markets are also a great way to bring the community together to work towards a common goal and can be used to foster relationships and mentoring opportunities.

The FCS Agent, Asa Conkwright, along with the Williamstown Senior Center Director, 4-H Horticulture leader, a Master Garden volunteer, and an FFA teacher came together to develop a community garden program for the senior center participants and 4-H horticulture club. The purpose of the program was to provide gardening knowledge to participants and potentially offer seniors an opportunity to socialize and create the opportunity for seniors to mentor the next generation.

Seniors and 4-hers worked hand in hand to take care of the gardens by weeding and creating a watering schedule. Various different herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers were planted, as a group, between five raised bed gardens via the square foot method. Participants also experienced the effects of pests such as vine borers. As a result of their hard work, many different herbs were harvested along with tomatoes, corn, strawberries, peppers, and flowers and distributed between the participants.