Fresh vegetables are not easily accessible to all populations within Hickman County.  Community gardens within low-income areas have been heralded as a way to increase the physical health and nutrition of residents.   But through Supplemental Nutrition Education we are finding that when it comes to seniors, physical health benefits are just the beginning. The growing trend of community gardens that cater specifically to seniors also provides a more holistic approach to healthy living for one of America’s most vulnerable populations.

Henley Court, a senior and handicapped community (public housing) worked together to prepare a raised bed garden at Henley Court Apartments. The raised bed was constructed by Hickman County Health Coalition last summer.  The Hickman County Nutrition Education Program Assistant for the Hickman County Extension Service was able to procure vegetable plants from Cunningham Farms, along with community volunteers to till and tend the garden.  Lessons were taught and samples offered of recipes for healthy eating from the garden throughout the summer. 

Henley Court participants increased their overall diet quality by 69% by consuming a diet of higher quality because they had access to vegetables, therefore increasing their consumption of red vegetables by 90%, and dark green vegetables by 70%, an increase of 60% more meals were prepared at home by using My Plate, 76% of families increased the number of days for physical activity, by working in the garden.  70% increased their food security by having enough to eat or the ability to obtain food, 

One participant stated that “there is nothing like going out your back door and picking a fresh tomato and eating it fresh from the garden”