GARDEN OF HOPE
Extension Education
Johnny Whiddon
QUITMAN
Abstract
\r\n The Bridges of Hope is a women’s shelter with the purpose of helping women with alcohol and drug abuse. The vegetable garden was basically a source for therapeutic activity, but they wanted to utilize the garden to improve the quality of food at the center. Over the past four years the Extension agents have trained the women and worked with them to plant, maintain, and harvest the garden. Local businesses donated the lime, seeds, transplants, and a drip irrigation system to assist in the program. The Bridges of Hope set up a garden team that works together on planning and caring for the garden. The women harvested peas, sweet corn, okra, tomatoes, bell peppers, yellow squash, and zucchini. They ate very well this year and also preserved 80 gallons of yellow squash, 120 gallons of zucchini, 75 gallons of cream corn, 60 gallons of corn on the cob, and 90 gallons of okra. The Bridges of Hope Board has built a 12 x 12 shelter to be fitted for harvesting and prepping vegetables for future gardens. In 2010 the garden and the gleaning program saved BOH $500 per month During the past year the Extension agents worked with 24 to 51 women from nine states. As the women leave the Bridges of Hope they take the knowledge of gardening with them to use in their new lives and the teach their children and families.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: J.P. Whiddon
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Whiddon, J. ANR Extension Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 31643