Why Have a Community Garden in Livingston County?

Community gardens serve many functions. They have been shown to strengthen community bonds, decrease crime, beautify neighborhoods, develop food security and improve physical and psychological health. Community gardens are generally associated with urban areas, where green space is otherwise limited. So why should we communally garden in rural Livingston County?

Mt. Morris is a prime example of why we should garden. In Mt. Morris, there is no supermarket. Public transportation is limited, and many residents do not own their own vehicle. As a result, low-income residents are relegated to shopping at local drug stores and gas stations, where food is often unhealthy and expensive. Low-income community members rely on the Mt. Morris Food Pantry (of Catholic Charities of Livingston County) to supplement their monthly groceries with healthy food. However, the Pantry has no reliable resource to keep fresh produce on its shelves.

It is no wonder that a 2003 New York State Department of Health study reported that only 29.3% of Livingston County residents were reported to eat at least 5 servings of fruits or vegetables a day. Catholic Charities of Livingston County performed its own one-month survey through the Mt. Morris Food Pantry. Only 22.2% of those surveyed reported to eat at least 5 servings of fruits or vegetables a day. The reasons given for poor eating included the high expense of healthy food, a lack of transportation to the supermarket, and a lack of preparation/cooking knowledge.

The Community Crops garden will help alleviate these burdens of price, proximity, and unfamiliarity. Half of the garden’s harvest will be distributed to our low-income neighbors through the Mt. Morris Food Pantry. The remaining crops will be available for community gardeners. The garden will be located at 96 Main Street, within walking distance of the Pantry. Cooking demonstrations, performed by Pantry volunteers and utilizing food from the garden, will help demystify otherwise unfamiliar produce.

All food-related benefits aside, it is important to remember that the most important word in the phrase “community garden” is community. The Community Crops garden will bring together our diverse population to work towards a common goal. The ARC of Livingston County will bring children and adults with disabilities to work in the garden, through its KidStart and day rehab programs. A series of culturally-appropriate plots will grow food for our Hispanic/Latino population. And, the garden will provide a safe space for our low-income and affluent neighbors to work together. Across all levels of ability, ages, cultures, and income levels, the Community Crops garden will help our community grow.