Greenwood community garden growing hope for the homeless
GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) — Getting access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be a major challenge for the homeless or those struggling to feed their families.
Often the cheapest food isn’t fresh food. The city of Greenwood has a community garden in which residents can rent land to grow produce.
This year a salon employee decided to grow a movement to use part of that garden to feed the needy in their area. The garden started with a seed of concern.
“We do so much with food drives and everything’s in a box or a can, and we just don’t have enough for nutrition,” Holistic Health Coordinator Karen Burr said.
Burr works at Studio 135 in Greenwood. She saw a need among the less fortunate in the community.
“I just think it’s so amazing for a homeless person to have fresh carrots and big fresh salads and cabbage,” she said.
So she went to the owner of her salon asking for help to get the idea growing.
“She was telling me all about the homeless not being able to get fresh food and going through the churches; I said it was a great idea,” Studio 135 Owner Rhonda Bailey said.
Studio 135 and other local businesses donated space in the community garden and other supplies.
“Everybody just came together; it was awesome to see people say, ‘For $10 I can buy nine plants to help feed homeless people.’ And who doesn’t want to be a part of something like that?” Burr said.
Volunteers are now prepping land and planting items like basil, thyme, kale and lettuce.
Burr’s idea is now spreading to other communities, like Faith Assembly Church of God in Beech Grove.
The pastor of that church wants to use land at the church to grow vegetables for the community.
“There’s a company in Franklin that’s wanting to do gardens for their employees,” Burr said.
“I think it’s very important; I wish more businesses would get involved,” Bailey said.
Churches will help distribute the veggies once they are grown, and Burr hopes this program will be successful for many more gardening seasons.
“It’s this amazing community outreach where we can start creating a sense of health and happiness, and it’s super positive,” Burr said.
“We will do this for years to come,” Bailey said.
Right now they’re looking for volunteers to help garden and also gardening tools.
If you think you can help, contact Studio 135 at 317-865-1731.