A community project to take a vacant piece of land and turn into a garden space takes another step forward. There was some planting being done at the South Jackson Community Garden on Saturday. The project is a collaboration of dozen local organizations and the Ohio State University to create community gathering spot out of previously unused space. Trees and perennial flowers were planted and raised garden boxes were constructed. This area was designated a food desert and organizers see the garden as a hub to promote healthy eating and nutrition in the neighborhood.
“Where we can serve the people with more food-driven programs,” says Tameka Sims, Landscape Designer of the South Jackson Community Garden. “Something like West Ohio Food Bank coming out and coming into the drive area and holding a food distribution event or Mercy Health coming out and having some sort of cooking demonstration, where we can promote healthy nutrition across the community and across the neighborhood.”
Sims says they will be back in the spring to do more planting when the weather is warmer. The Lima SPROUTS will be utilizing the garden boxes to plant vegetables next year.
