Why do we need a COMMUNITY

GARDEN?
Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods
or limited or uncertain ability to acquire foods in a socially acceptable way.

USDA Household Food Insecurity in the United States in 2017

In 2017, 11.8% (15.0 million) households were food insecure. 4.5% of households had very low
food security.

7.7% of households with children suffer from insecurity. The prevalence is near the 2007 pre-
recession level of 8.3.

● GEORGIA
○ 2013-2015
■ 14.9% of people suffered from food insecurity.
■ 5.6% suffered from very low food security.
○ Washington County,
■ 2016: 22% of people suffered from food insecurity
■ 34% of children live in poverty

Food deserts are characterized by limited food access, often defined by geographical distance
from grocery stores.

USDA defines “low access community” as it at least 500 people and/or 33% of the census tract’s
population more than 10 miles (rural) from a supermarket or large grocery store.

By definition, in Washington County, only Warthen, Oconee, and Davisboro would be

considered “low access communities” as they are more than 10 miles away from WalMart, IGA,
and/or Harveys. However, we know that due to various factors, members within the “city limits”
may not be able to readily or routinely visit the grocery stores.

What is a community garden? A piece of land gardened by a group of people. There can be
individual or shared plots. Fruit, vegetables, and/or plants may be grown.

Who can benefit from it? EVERYONE!

What are the benefits of the garden?

➔ Beautify vacant lots
➔ Provides fresh, safe, affordable herbs, fruits, and vegetables
➔ Relieves stress and increases sense of wellness
 ➔ Gets people active, improving overall physical health
➔ Provides social opportunities that build a sense of community and belonging
➔ Gives people an opportunity to learn and share knowledge on gardening, nature, and
cooking

The Costs: monetary & non-monetary (space, time, dedication)\

Possible Donations From:

● ACE
● Double C Feed and Seed
● Farm Bureau
● The Feed Mill
● The Flower Garden
● Tractor Supply
● Walmart
● FFA (middle and high school)
● Fundraisers

What to Grow (These are crops conducive to out area at this time of year. )
❏ Beans
❏ Brussel sprouts
❏ Corn
❏ Cucumber
❏ Onions
❏ Peppers
❏ Squash
❏ Tomato