The Food System Coalition, a subdivision of the Ringgold County Wellness Committee, successfully applied for a $750 One Step Community Garden Grant from Hy-Vee Food Stores. The grants are awarded to organizations whose core focus teaches those in need about health and nutrition through the process of planting, tending and harvesting their own fruits and vegetables.
Roger Townsend, Mount Ayr Hy-Vee Store Director, encouraged the coalition to make application for the One Step Grant after attending the stakeholder meeting for the Ringgold County Food System Assessment. A community garden was the highest priority item selected by those who participated in the assessment held in late February. This was a Community Transformation Grant (CTG) activity through Ringgold County Public Health.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Creston-Mount Ayr, has offered space at their Mount Ayr location on Highway 2 (formerly First Lutheran Church) for the garden. The members of the congregation have also volunteered to assist the community as needed to insure the success of the garden. It is intended that the produce be distributed to those in the county that would not normally have access to these healthy items. There will also be the opportunity for the recipients to help with the gardening and learn how the produce can be used in their meals.
The Hy-Vee One Step mission is to offer their customers a selection of everyday products and donate a portion of those proceeds to relevant, worthy causes. The funds for this grant are provided by the proceeds from the sale of 5 lb. bags of One Step russet potatoes sold in their stores. The goal is to help people in their communities and around the world overcome some of the difficulties that affect their well-being. Other One Step designated products help fund Meals from the Heartland (shredded wheat); planting trees in neighborhoods, parks and other public places (paper towels); and fresh water to be used during a global crisis (water).
The Ringgold County Wellness Coalition and Food System Committee is excited to begin the “work” for the garden. If you would like to help, please contact Vicki or Chris at Ringgold County Public Health, 641-464-0691.