Nutrition and obesity are two of the top health challenges facing Grayson County residents. The low rankings nationally and statewide in diabetes, adult obesity, and limited access to healthy food, are all problems that need attention in the community. The Population Health Committee out of the local hospital reached out to collaborate with the Master Gardener Association and Extension Service to address the above needs through a community garden project. With much planning, preparation, and generous donations from around the community, the community garden became a reality in 2017 with 12 raised bed gardening plots. Five beds were rented out for the 2018 growing season and in 2019 all 12 beds were claimed with a waiting list.

Due to the popularity of the community garden plots, the Master Gardener Association and Population Health Committee partnered with the Grayson County Family and Consumer Sciences and Agriculture and Natural Resources program to apply for grant funds to enhance and expand the community garden for the 2020 growing season. In Fall of 2019 we were awarded half of a $5,000 grant through Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. With the initial $2,500 we were able to expand the garden from 12 plots to 22 plots; one of the being an elevated tabletop garden for those with limited mobility. As of June 30, 2020, all plots have been claimed including the elevated plot and there is currently a waiting list.

The rest of the funding from this grant will be to provide signage for the garden and a shed where shared gardening tools and supplies can be stored for community garden plot holders.

This project is a growing success. The Extension Service continues to support and promote the community garden through grant funds as well as educational support for community garden members and the community at large by providing hands on gardening and food preparation classes on site at the garden. Specifically, the Family and Consumer Sciences program focused on how to prepare, store, and preserve foods from the garden using fresh produces that is in season. Participants reported learning new knife skills and techniques along with new and different ways to enjoy age old fruits and vegetables.