HELPING NEEDY FAMILIES IN GROW THEIR OWN FOOD USING SELF WATERING CONTAINERS
Extension Education
Peter Nitzsche
County Agent I
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County
Morristown
Abstract
\r\n With difficult economic times, food banks and pantries have seen increased need in local communities and would like to provide more fresh produce to clients. Teaching food pantry clients gardening may be a way to help supply them with fresh produce but there may be issues with lead in urban soils and the time and space needed for a garden. The Morris County Master Gardeners partnered with the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry on a project to provide their clients with an easier means to grow their own fresh produce. The partnership secured donations from local farms and garden centers to create self-watering container systems to grow vegetables. The Master Gardeners constructed 32 containers and assisted in writing instructions on their care and maintenance. These containers along with potting mix, vegetable plants, and instructions were distributed to 24 Pantry clients. Eight containers were setup at the Pantry as a demonstration to all clients. Of the 8 clients who completed a survey at the end of the growing season 100% said they would do it again and wrote comments like "very fun" and "My family and I liked it very much. Everybody worked together planting and harvesting". While the majority of the respondents indicated it was their first gardening experience, most of them reported success and having harvested and eaten at least some fresh vegetables. While more difficult measure, the positive self esteem and hope expressed by clients while growing their plants and harvesting vegetables made this project a success.
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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: Nitzsche Peter
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Peter, N. Agricultural and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County, New Jersey, 07963