Community Garden

Through our ongoing partnerships, we have identified not only a significant gap in services related to food access but also promising opportunities to address those needs in sustainable and community-driven ways. According to FeedingAmerica.org, 15.1% of Ray County residents experience insufficiency—above the national average of 12.2%. Despite the prevalence of food, many individuals in our community are reluctant to seek assistance or accept charity, often due to stigma or pride.

In response, we are working collaboratively with community partners to develop accessible and inclusive solutions that promote self-reliance, dignity, and long-term impact. One such effort is our community garden initiative, which has achieved strong local support. In response to the growing public interest in gardening, food production, and sustainable living, we have initiated collaborations on a range of related initiatives. Some of these include gardening education classes, food preparation and food preservation classes, seed storage and distribution, and community garden expansion and maintenance.

To date, our garden, currently operating on a 4,225 square foot plot and has become an active hub for community engagement and food distribution. Volunteers regularly assist with upkeep. Our harvests have yielded over 1 ton of fresh produce, which has been shared with the public. Distribution efforts include direct giveaways at events and community pick-up boxes placed at several key locations. The consistent and enthusiastic response from the public confirms that the need is immediate and growing. Despite the efforts of existing organizations, food insufficiency remains a persistent challenge in Ray County.