On Friday, September 29, 2017, we kicked off the construction of our new community garden at Northampton Free Library, the branch library in Nassawadox, Virginia.
Thanks to the help of Christina Ruszczyk-Murray, 4-H Extension Agent/Unit Coordinator with Virginia Cooperative Extension – Northampton County, the library recently received a grant from Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Nutrition Program. This grant provided the funding for the materials to create the community garden and is part of the Eat Smart, Move More campaign.
To celebrate the start of the garden, we hosted a short reception, followed by hands-on children’s activities.
We painted rocks, made wildflower seed balls, and played a fun game about where our food comes from presented by the Northampton 4-H. During the event, the Family Nutrition Program provided information about their educational programs. Eastern Shore Healthy Communities and their Food Access and Equity Work Group also provided information and support.
We are so excited about starting our own community garden for kids at the public library. It will provide many benefits for our Eastern Shore youth such as the opportunity to learn about how plants grow and at the same time grow and eat some very healthy food. By helping with the garden, they will also engage all of their senses and enhance their fine motor skills, practice their math skills, set goals and make plans, organize their time and materials, and practice patience.