The Garden Project Of Southwest Colorado

IN 2019 THE GARDEN PROJECT OF SOUTHWEST COLORADO CELEBRATED THE 21ST YEAR OF OPERATION. THE WORK OF THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUED THE MISSION OF CREATING HEALTHY COMMUNITY THROUGH GARDEN PROGRAMS, EDUCATION, AND ACCESS TO LOCAL PRODUCE. IN 2019, THE GARDEN PROGECT BENEFITTED FROM THE HELP OF 2,782 VOLUNTEER HOURS FROM 783 VOLUNTEERS ON A VARIETY OF OCCASIONS. VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO MAKE THE GARDEN PROJECT THRIVE AS THE ORGANIZATION DOES NOT HAVE A FULL TIME STAFF AND ARE A SMALL GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION LINKING COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO THEIR NEIGHBORS IN OUTDOOR GREENSPACE. THE ORGANIZATION WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE EIGHT SCHOOLS WITH EDUCATIONAL GARDENING LESSONS AND HELP SUPPORT SIX OTHER LOCAL GARDEN PROJECTS. THROUGH THE EDUCATION PROGRAMS, THE GARDEN PROJECT SERVED 3,942 YOUTH AND ADULTS. EDUCATORS PROVIDED INSTRUCTION THROUGH THE IN-SCHOOL, AFTER-SCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH. THESE PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO TEACH IMPORTANT AGRIGULATURAL AND SCIENCE COMPONENTS INCLUDING HEALTH AND NUTRITION, GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF PRODUCE IN A GARDEN, FARM TO CAFETERIA INITIATIVES AND HORTICULTURAL THERAPY. THE GARDEN PROJECT'S FOOD SECURITY WING WAS ABLE TO HARVEST AND DISTRIBUTE 1,187 POUNDS OF PRODUCE TO THOSE IN NEED AND PROVIDE CONTINUED SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MANNA SOUP KITCHEN.