Fresh Ideas for Growing Community

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The Library received funding through the Institute for museum and Library Services to purchase Tower Gardens that were placed in each of fifteen branches. Growing fresh produce in each indoor garden served as a unique STEM learning opportunity for students across the county. The Tower Gardens also allowed the Library to develop vital community partnerships in addressing food insecurity as multiple donations of fresh greens to local food pantries and senior lunch programs were made. Programming around the gardens ranged from early literacy hands on activities to cultural culinary traditions of the county's diverse population.