The St. Mary/Vermilion Community Action Agency - Head Start has announced the creation of local community gardens at Head Start centers in Baldwin and Abbeville.
As part of the "Gro More Good" grant, Head Start programs will create gardens at Mickey Mouse Head Start Center in Baldwin and Precious Moments Head Start Center in Abbeville. The programs is possible with Support from National Head Start Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, according to Head Start.
Head Start children, their parents and teaching staff will build raised garden beds and plant fruit and vegetables. Volunteers including local High School 4-H Clubs, the LSU AgCenter, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and local beautification clubs and community residents will help in the creation of those beds.
Once the project is complete, Head Start says that children will be able to take some of the produce home for their families and donate some to community residents.
"It is our hope that this garden will help to improve the lives of the Head Start children and families we serve." according to Almetra J. Franklin, CEO of CAA.
According to a release, the three-year program will make garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens and hands-on learning experiences for young children.
