Why Mt. Airy Needs a Community Garden
By: Serenity Carroll
An unfortunate trend has taken place in underserved neighborhoods over the past several years as large food retailers have followed a business model of having fewer and larger stores leaving many places like Mt. Airy without a market. The result is the creation of “food deserts” where fresh produce is very difficult to obtain by a large percentage of residents. Many urban communities have sought to find solutions to this system for distribution to those who may be food insecure. Here in Mt. Airy, we recognize the urgent need to provide fresh, nutritious produce to our community members who have been struggling to access healthy food options. Driven by this compelling mission, together as neighbors and volunteers we plan to create a thriving oasis of greenery right in the middle of our business district. Our garden aims to become a symbol of our collective commitment to the well-being of our community and a testament to the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food. Beyond its primary goal of providing fresh produce, our community garden offers a multitude of additional benefits:
- Improved Nutrition:
Access to fresh fruits and vegetables empowers our community members to make healthier dietary choices, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Community Building:
The garden serves as a gathering place where neighbors can connect, share knowledge, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Educational Opportunities:
The garden provides hands-on learning experiences for children and adults alike, teaching them about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and the importance of local food systems.
- Environmental Stewardship:
By growing our own food, we reduce our reliance on imported produce and minimize our carbon footprint.
- Economic Empowerment:
