Many Scotland County limited resource individuals and families do not have access to fresh produce or nutritionally rich foods due to budget constraints. As a result of this need, NC Cooperative Extension in Scotland County and NC A&T State University collaborated to establish a community garden in Wagram. A five-year grant of $145,000 was awarded to develop the garden. Twenty-four plots were adopted and planted with a spring garden. A food cost savings of $3,600 during the spring and summer season was noted in a follow-up survey. One participant shared, “The community garden has provided me with an opportunity to garden for the first time. It has been exciting for me to experience the growing process from seed to harvest. I have gained gardening knowledge, saved money, tried new foods and met new friends. In addition, I am getting a lot of exercise!” Community garden programs with active citizen participation can develop resiliency and protective factors in youth, families, and communities.
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