BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Turkey Church of the Nazarene volunteers turned the soil for their community garden, “His Garden,” back in April. Their once empty lot is full of blooming plants and vegetables, and on Saturday, they distributed freshly harvested goods to 44 people.

Pastor Derek Catron and volunteers gave away 35 bags of beans, 35 bags of potatoes, 42 bags of corn and other miscellaneous vegetables.

“We gave away an estimated nine bushels of beans, potatoes and corn,” Catron said.

Church volunteers have donated 120-plus hours working in the garden.

“It’s a great sense of purpose and meaning to help people that you know are in need and a great sense of fulfillment for us as a church,” said Catron. “But this whole process is not just about us. The UK CDC grant and the Grow Appalachia grant have helped us achieve this garden ministry. What a great morning so far.”

The CDC’s High Obesity Program (HOP) grant funds initiatives in Martin County in collaboration with the University of Kentucky’s Extension Program. According to UK Family and Consumer Sciences agent Martiki McCoy Scott, His Garden is a partnership with the church, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Martin County Cooperative Extension, and Grow Appalachia.

Extension agents were on hand Saturday to distribute helpful pamphlets and goody bags.

“This community garden offers a source of nutritious food, an opportunity for physical activity, and a chance to address the nutritional needs of the community and improve local access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” Scott said. “Our projects focus on encouraging healthy choices by making fresh and healthy foods more available and making physical activity more popular among all residents.”

Volunteers use only organic pesticides and insecticides at His Garden.