Free Produce Bin Increases Fresh Food Access for Hatchie Haven Residents
The City of Bolivar Community Garden and University of Tennessee Extension staff and volunteers prepared the garden for an active fall growing season. In addition to the produce harvested by those volunteering their time to the garden, produce is now going to the residents at Hatchie Haven at a Hardeman Healthy Outreach (H2O) Little Fresh Produce Bin.
Hatchie Haven resident and community garden volunteer, Eloise Futrell, recently began working with the project and sees great benefits to the partnership.
“A lot of the residents here don’t have transportation to go out like they would like to. I think it is wonderful because they can get fresh produce. I’m going to be a part of picking it and bringing it here. I hope others will get involved (with the garden) too,” said Ms. Futrell. “Everybody loves the greens. I’m also looking forward to fresh green beans and tomatoes next year. It’s a chance to start eating more healthy food.”
Susan Goodrum, Bolivar Housing Authority tenant selector, says the residents enjoy getting out to see what’s on the stand that sits outside the office during business hours.
“Miss Eloise looks out for her neighbors. We try to have things here that our residents will enjoy because they don’t all have transportation,” said Goodrum.
The City of Bolivar Community Garden is located at Pleasant Run Creek Park, 100 Stevens Road, in Bolivar. Volunteers are encouraged to contact garden coordinator Brittney Willis at (731) 609-5765 or through the garden’s Facebook page.
Hardeman Healthy Outreach is funded by the CDC’s High Obesity Program (HOP) through The University of Tennessee Extension to improve access to food and physical activity opportunities throughout Hardeman County.
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