GIVING BACK: EXTENSION DEMONSTRATION GARDEN IN MCDANIEL FARM PARK PROVIDING PRODUCE FOR LOCAL FOODBANKS
Extension Education
Timothy Daly
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia
McDonough
Abstract
Gwinnett County, GA, has a population of over 900,000 and continues to grow. One rising issue of concern is food insecurity. According to the Community Foundation of North Georgia, 10% of the population lacks proper nutrition access. The Georgia Department of Public Health estimates the number of residents living in food deserts, where people do not have convenient access to healthy food, which is 8%. UGA Extension Gwinnett addresses the issue by donating fruits and vegetables harvested from the demonstration garden at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth, GA. The site is an old homestead that dates back to the early 1800s. Gwinnett County Government purchased the land and developed it into a passive park with the original house, barn, and other structures. The garden grows the types of vegetables that the actual farmers grew in the 1930s. The produce is donated to the food banks at Hands-of-Christ Ministry in Duluth & the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op (Grayson). Since 2018, 3,103 pounds have been harvested and delivered to the food banks. The Master Gardeners have volunteered 2,815 hours worth an estimated $64,026 and have made 1,801 contacts in the garden. Visual from walking trails and accessible for questions when volunteers are present. The garden has received a total of $1,500 in grant money from the local Master Gardener organization to purchase a drip irrigation system and install new raised beds.
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: T. Daly
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Daly, T. County Extension Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30046-4804