‘HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?’
Extension Education
Brad Bergefurd
Extension Educator
Ohio State University Extension
PIKETON
Abstract
This program involved collaboration between Ohio State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Scioto County Soil and Water Conservation District, Findlay Manor retirement center and the 14th Street Community Center to establish a youth community garden program. On average, 90 underserved youth participated in the intergenerational program daily. Educators taught children at the garden site three times a week for 10 consecutive weeks where they planted, weeded, watered and tended to the garden. Children were also taught nutrition and eating healthy. Garden produce included 562 pounds of corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans and pumpkins that was harvested and donated to the Pleasant Green Baptist Church community food pantry. A program impact survey was conducted where youth indicated what they learned: how to plant a garden; importance of growing their own food; cost effectiveness of planting a garden; how to work together as a Team; and importance of nutrition and healthy eating. Youth (100% reported) they liked trying new fruits & vegetables; they liked the benefits of physical activity and how to follow directions. Youth (90%) learned about gardening with their families. “Was the garden good for your community? And why?” youth responded; “It teaches kids how to work”; “Because it helped kids with gardening and eating better”; “Because it helped people who don’t have any food” and all youth believed the garden was good for the community. All respondents want to participate in the program again in 2014.
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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.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: B. Bergefurd, J. Brodt, L. Kepler, K. Sowards
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Bergefurd, B. Extension Educator, OSU Extension Educator, Ohio, 45661
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Brodt, J. 4-H Program Coordinator, OSU Eextension Scioto Cunty, Ohio, 45662
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Kepler, L. Extension Program Assistant Family Nutrition Program, OSU Extension Scioto County, Ohio, 45662
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Sowards, K. Conservation Education Coordinator, Scioto Soil & Water Conservation District,