Urban gardening program cultivates nutrition awareness

YOUNGSTOWN -- Jubilee Gardens, a program of the Second Harvest Foodbank of the Mahoning Valley, will hold its 2003 kickoff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 8 in First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave.
The program will include information on gardening from Ohio State University Extension master gardeners, a presentation on nutrition, door prizes, giveaways of plants and seeds and lunch.
Jubilee Gardens' goals include providing an opportunity for individuals to grow fresh vegetables in an urban garden. A garden plot, seeds, plants and fertilizer are provided through the organization as a means of enhancing community pride, leadership skills and the self-worth of participants.
During its 20-year history, Jubilee Gardens has developed more than 77 community garden plots and supported more than 100 backyard gardens. Part of that effort has included using 1.1 acres of inner city land by reclaiming vacant lots.
As a result of distributing more than 300 flats of plants, 8,000 packets of seeds, 300 pounds of fertilizer and 100 cubic feet of mulch, the program provided more than 4,000 people fresh vegetables for meals in 2002.
Co-sponsors of the Jubilee Gardens program include the Mahoning County commissioners, The Ohio State University Extension, First Presbyterian Church, St. Andrewes AME Church and the Mahoning Valley Association of Churches.