“I give my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty and my hands to larger service and my health to better living….” That is how the 4-H
Pledge starts out and is just what Fillmore County 4-H’ers have done for three years in a row! In collaboration with the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conversation Service offices in Geneva, 4-H’ers planted, cared for and harvested vegetables for those who might not otherwise have access to fresh produce.
Last year, over 260 pounds of produce was harvested! This year has been a little challenging with the garden due to pests and weather, but we still have harvested approximately 75 pounds of produce with more still to come. Since the small garden was established three years ago, it has yielded over approximately 400 pounds of produce. Several 4-H youth continued to express an interest this year, so the garden was planted with produce going to the Geneva Senior Center programs.
Over the summer, 4-H’ers, FSA and NRCS staff took turns caring for the garden, increasing their horticultural skills while learning responsibility, service and other important life skills. This has been a great project allowing youth to not only learn, but fulfill the purpose of 4-H by using their hands for larger service.
If you are interested in contributing or participating in the Fillmore County Community Garden in the future, please contact the Fillmore County Extension Office at 402-759-3712.
Views from VanDeWalle 