Success StoryMorgan County Extension Community Garden Enables Access to Fresh Produce



Morgan County Extension Community Garden Enables Access to Fresh Produce

Author: Sarah Fannin

Planning Unit: Morgan County CES

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Plan of Work: Growing Local Foods and Local Leaders

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Parts of Morgan County are designated as a “food desert” area by the USDA meaning that residents do not have adequate access to fresh vegetables due to distance, lack of land or income.  As part of the Morgan County Extension Demonstration Farm, land was designated for use as a community garden to help remove these barriers.  The garden is fenced, cultivated and supplied with water at no cost to participants.  Priority is given to senior citizens, low income, differently abled and those without land.Gardening education is provided as well via the 2018 Fruit and Vegetable Academy – a monthly series featuring various growing topics.  As a result of this endeavor, each of the eight participating gardeners report increased access to fresh vegetables, reduced food costs and increase in activity level.  Mostly older single women, these growers have expressed their appreciation to be able to return to gardening as a means of supplying food for their families, supplementing income and getting to work in something they enjoy.






Stories by Sarah Fannin


Morgan County Ag Extension Enables Education That Pays

about 3 years ago by Sarah Fannin

Farmers are facing unprecedented challenges with increasing input costs, volatile markets and weathe... Read More


Morgan ANR Program Delivers Essential Services In COVID Times

about 3 years ago by Sarah Fannin

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes and challenges to our world and local community.... Read More


Stories by Morgan County CES


4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon

4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon

about 3 years ago by Kimberly Lane

Just like everything and everywhere else during the pandemic, the 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon had to ... Read More


4-H Country Ham Project

4-H Country Ham Project

about 3 years ago by Kimberly Lane

The 4-H Country Ham Project gives youth the opportunity to learn the time honored tradition of curin... Read More