Thomas County Community Garden, Colby, Kansas
The primary goal of the Thomas County Community Garden is to improve the healthy eating environment of the community by increasing and expanding access to a variety of healthy, garden-fresh vegetables. More than 25% of the produce grown in the communal garden was donated to the food bank and charitable groups. The remaining produce is shared by the garden volunteers, used in Kids-a-Cookin' nutrition classes, and served at community events. K-State Research & Extension provides educational programming. The garden partners will the local FFA chapter, Girl Scouts, Boys Scouts, 4-H clubs and other youth for community service projects. Grant funds were used to purchase a shed, raised beds, irrigation system, benches, compost bins, and garden tools.