Objective:  Enhance and build community capacity for the existing Moses Lake Community Garden.

Purpose:  To prevent and control obesity by improving access to health promoting foods, specifically vegetables and fruits, through environmental and policy changes.

State Plan Priority Recommendation:  Increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits (Nutrition Objective 1)

Background

In 2002 the Moses Lake Healthy Community Task Force selected the development of community gardens as a priority in their action plan. This project was selected from the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Strategic Plan (NPASP) to promote increased consumption of vegetables and fruits.  A local task force was formed and established the following vision for the Community Garden Project:  Moses Lake Community Gardens are a place open to all people of Moses Lake to:

·        Gather, garden and grow healthy food

·        Enjoy healthy leisure activity

·        Learn about gardening, nutrition, and preparing food

·        Eat more fruits and vegetables

In the first year of this project one garden was built with 58 plots and 100% were leased. In 2004, 85% of the plots were leased.  The 2005 goal is to have 100% of the 74 plots leased.

Key Strategies & Activities

In 2004 survey data collected from the previous year’s leased plot owners, was utilized to continue enhancing the garden site.  ADA approved ground cover was placed on all the walkways, between the plots.  A green house was set up on site and new tools, hoses, and wheelbarrows were provided in the tool shed.  A three-bin composting system was constructed for a composting class which was offered to the gardeners and public for free.  New garden plots were built resulting in 74 total gardening spaces.  The Community Garden (CG) Coalition was formed; this group consists of the CG Board and all gardeners and community members who are interested in making decisions pertaining to the garden.  The membership fee was paid for at the Moses Lake Farmer’s Market, which allowed gardeners to sell their CG harvests at the local market for just the table fee.  Media campaign efforts were enhanced to publicize plot availability and the benefits of gardening to the community.  The Moses Lake CG provided guidance to and gained the assistance and input from the Moses Lake Youth Wellness Team (YWT) on environmental and policy issues surrounding the garden, community nutrition, and physical activity issues.  The CG continued to work with and integrated the Breastfeeding and Trails projects into their own.  Participation in the Moses Lake Advisory Committee continued to integrate and build garden capacity into the Moses Lake Healthy Communities Project.

In 2005 many of the strategy and activity goals remain the same, or have been upgraded to fit present situations.  The CG has increased citywide marketing efforts to ensure all the current plots are leased.  The “Garden Steward Program” is being developed to address safety, security and maintenance issues.  The “Friends of the Garden” group will sign a formalized agreement with an umbrella non-profit in order to increase fundraising capabilities, give tax advantages to potential funders, and build capacity for future sustainability.  Gardeners are encouraged to participate in the Plant a Row for the Hungry Campaign, in which a portion of their harvest is donated to the local Food Bank.  A Partnership with the local Master Gardeners program has been formed and educational activities will be offered throughout the growing season on gardening, physical activity, composting, and the health benefits of good nutrition.  Cement benches, tables, and a bird bath, donated by the CBJC were set up throughout the garden site.  An informational kiosk was erected to display messages relating to the garden and website.  A website is being developed and will serve as a portal to links on the Moses Lake Healthy Communities projects, gardening, composting, nutrition, produce preparation and storage, etc.  The CG continues to work with the YWT providing guidance and gaining assistance and input on environmental and policy issues that pertain to youth.  Integration of the Breastfeeding Coalition and Trails Planning Team projects into the Community Garden continues.  Representatives from each project participate in the Moses Lake Advisory Committee and Leadership Team meetings and activities to strengthen the Moses Lake Healthy Communities Project.

Target of change:  Low income seniors and families, young adults and teens, children in schools, people using the trail system.

 Partners:  Washington State DOH, Healthy Communities Project Advisory Committee & Leadership Team, City of Moses Lake, Parks and Recreation Department, Grant County Health District, Columbia Basin Job Corps, local service clubs, and Moses Lake community members.

One of the Moses Lake
Community Garden
plots in 2004.