Success StoryCommunity Garden Programs Enhancing Lives of Bracken County



Community Garden Programs Enhancing Lives of Bracken County

Author: Molly Jordan

Planning Unit: Bracken County CES

Major Program: Agriculture

Plan of Work: Healthy Families, Healthy Individuals

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

The impacts of community gardens extend far beyond that of providing fresh vegetables to those involved. A sense of belonging, teamwork skills, stress reduction, and increased physical activity are all benefits of community garden programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on new changes and challenges to communities and extension programming. The biggest question is how we engage our community during a pandemic? Community gardens seemed to be the obvious answer with all the benefits surrounding them. 

 

The community gardens the Bracken County Cooperative Extension Service installed were located at the Brooksville Childcare, Brooksville Senior Living Apartments, Brooksville Senior Center, Bracken County Courthouse, and the Bracken County Extension Office. At Brooksville Childcare, teachers in the various classes are using the garden to educate children on the importance of healthy eating. According to one teacher “the children rush to the garden as soon as they get outside and are amazed to see it grow!” The children have even harvested their lettuce from the raised bed. The Brooksville Senior Living apartment garden is allowing residents to have access to fresh produce they would not be able to get because of limited transportation means. It also brings back fond memories of their youth as many of them lived on farms and worked on their own garden years ago.  Reminiscing about these activities has brought them much needed joy. 

 

Through these community gardens, the Bracken County Extension Service is able to pass on educational information regarding healthy recipes, living a healthy lifestyle, and becoming self-sufficient. 

 









May be an image of 4 people, child, people sitting, people standing and outdoors






 







Stories by Molly Jordan


Longest Day of Play and Community Health Fair

about 3 months ago by Molly Jordan

The summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year, has been designated the Longest Day of Pla... Read More


Safe and Sober Prom

about 3 months ago by Molly Jordan

During the last few months of school, prom and graduation season is in full swing, sweeping both tee... Read More


Stories by Bracken County CES


Mothers and Daughter Bonding Over Blooms

Mothers and Daughter Bonding Over Blooms

about 5 months ago by Holly Bowman

With parents and children engrossed in their mobile devices for hours on end, face-to-face interacti... Read More


Advancing Farm Practices Through Shared-Use Equipment

Advancing Farm Practices Through Shared-Use Equipment

about 6 months ago by Holly Bowman

The challenge of embracing best management practices in farming often boils down to the significant ... Read More