Ministries

Gerald Williams Cooperative Garden Program

The Need

With attention so often focused on starvation in lesser-developed countries, many people overlook inadequate nutrition in America. Lack of money to buy food is a major cause of inadequate diets, and the south has more than its fair share of low-income families. The target figure for garden pachages to be distributed in Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin Counties is usuall 550; total distribution was 598 packages. A local self-help program exists on the three-county area to enable these families to grow a vegetable garden to supplement their diets and reduce their food bill, thus freeing money for fuel, clothing, and other expenses.

The Response

Since 1975 local citizens have helped plant gardens by supporting the Gerald Williams Cooperative Garden Program (formerly known as the Colbert-Lauderdale Cooperative Garden Program). This program is based on the self-help concept; it provides seeds, plants (tomato, bell pepper, cayenne papper, banana pepper), fertilizer, and guidance for growing home gardens.

Over the years this has been a cooperative community effort with the Community Action Agency (CAA), Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Shoals Ministerial Association. The TVA Retirees have assisted with taking applications for gardens and the distribution of plants, seed and fertilizer.

Future Prospects

In the past, funds for the program came from sponsoring agencies, local church members, individuals, and businesses. However, due to the budget cutbacks from public agencies, the future funding of the program relies primarily on individuals, churches, businesses and other community support. Due to the tremendous volunteer support and the cooperative nature of the program, a $18.00-$20.00 contribution will provide for an average garden capable of producing $500.00 - $600.00 worth of fresh vegatables according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Some of the projects more important benefits - personal growth of participating families, new found confidence in their abilities and the interaction of the community with those less fortunate - are impossible to evaluate monetarily.