(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) A local nonprofit grows fresh fruits and vegetables for residents of St. Joseph’s Central Corridor.
Midtown Community Gardens founder Danielle McGaughy started gardening to relax. In 2017, she turned her hobby into a solution to the lack of fresh produce in downtown St. Joseph.
“Rather than going to Dollar General or Quick Stop to get something high in calories, not healthy, there are options here. They can pick up fruits, vegetables, it’s free. Anything we asking in return is for someone to come and volunteer an hour or so, help us weed or water the garden,” McGaughy said.
Midtown Gardens member Cindy Wells said there are several areas in St. Joseph that are considered “food deserts,” places where fresh produce isn’t readily available in the area. Midtown Community Gardens is working hard to change that, one garden at a time.
“Midtown was one. If we can keep the gardens running and they continue as they are and get better every year, then it won’t be one anymore, because there will be fresh produce, at least during the months summer,” Wells said. .
The former 4-H specialist said the gardens provide an important learning opportunity for children and parents.
“They’re also learning how to cook and eat healthy. We’re actually going to be offering a food preservation course later this year, probably in August, when all the produce is on display,” Wells said. “So there’s a lot of learning that just happens around a garden box.”
She said the non-profit organization has created a place that is not just about gardening, but also brings the whole community together.
“It’s something for the whole community. So it’s not just the kids. Parents, aunts, uncles, cousins come in and say, ‘Oh look, there are beans, let’s pick beans.’ That sort of thing,” Wells said. “So it gives them a chance to try different things, to see it grow, to have some ownership because they help garden, they help weed, they help water, all of those things. So the garden somehow becomes theirs.”
Midtown Community Gardens is in partnership with the Bartlett Center, St. Francis Baptist Men’s Group, and St. Joseph Museums. The group plans to continue to grow next season and are excited to continue to grow the non-profit organization.
“We’re actually looking at another site for next season,” McGaughy said. “And we’re in the process of incorporating things like harvest boxes, flower bouquets and things of that nature.”
“To see him grow as he is and the excitement of the young people, as well as the excitement of the community, is just amazing,” Wells said.
There are gardens at Bartlett Center, St. Francis Baptist Temple, and Wyeth Tootle Mansion. The association is always looking for volunteers. For updates and volunteer information, visit the Midtown Community Gardens website or Facebook page.
