Our strong partnership, led by the Warren County Extension Office and funded through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, has been instrumental in supporting local refugee families. Together with Refuge Bowling Green and our dedicated community partners, we have provided hands-on gardening opportunities. These not only promote food security and cultural connections for refugee families but also foster a sense of community and understanding among residents.

The first year of the project in 2024 was a huge success. A mix of 29 Afghan and Congolese families took part in salad container gardening, growing leafy greens at home for the first time in Kentucky's climate. Thanks to a $1,200 NEP Community Garden Grant secured by the Warren County Extension Agent for Horticulture, the families received the knowledge and resources they needed. Local translators were available to assist, and the families' dedication and hard work resulted in a bountiful harvest. 

Thanks to the generosity of Richpond Baptist Church, the project expanded in its second year, 2025, to include in-ground gardening for 16 families, including those from African and Afghan backgrounds. This expansion enabled refugee families to cultivate a variety of crops, including corn, beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. An additional $1,500 NEP Community Garden Grant helped provide refugee families with tools, fertilizer, pest control, and healthy transplants for a productive season, as they have limited income.

Refuge Bowling Green has been central to this project's success, playing a vital role by providing a dedicated garden manager to collaborate with the families. This additional support has significantly enhanced communication, ensured consistent garden maintenance, and strengthened community bonds. The garden manager and the horticulture extension agent have stayed in close contact, offering expert advice and recommendations as needed throughout the gardening process. 

The Master Gardener volunteers continue to be the backbone of this project, providing essential educational support. Their steady commitment to teaching sustainable techniques, such as mulching and staking plants, is crucial for ensuring the project's sustainability and long-term success. Their dedication is truly admirable and deeply appreciated. 

Recently, someone told the garden manager that they appreciated having access to the tools. Several African families have already harvested bean tops from the community garden. In the coming weeks, as the gardens continue to produce future harvests, nutrition classes led by the Warren County NEP assistant will be introduced to help families find new ways to prepare and enjoy their harvest. 

Through this collaborative gardening effort, refugee families are not only harvesting nutritious food—they're building confidence, forming friendships, and planting roots in their new home.