Initiative providing funding to create community gardens in the Highland Lakes

FROM STAFF REPORTS

MARBLE FALLS — The Highland Lakes Health Partnership is offering Burnet County organizations a chance for funding to help build or enhance community gardens.

The Community Gardens Initiative is providing up to $500 to four organizations. The vision of the program is “to create a space that will promote and support a healthy lifestyle for people in the community as well as benefit those with limited food access,” according to a news release announcing the program.

Organizations have until Feb. 21 to apply for the money. Selections will be announced March 1.

Go to www.highlandlakeshealthpartnership.org or email Kristen Eastman at keastman@wcchd.org for applications and instructions.

According to the release, the goals of the Community Garden Initiative is “to (No. 1) serve populations that do not have adequate access to fruits and vegetables; (No. 2) improve nutrition through education; and, (No. 3) achieve better health outcomes for Burnet County residents through sustainable gardens.”

The application process is open to any organization within Burnet County such as, but not limited to, churches, nursing homes, schools, independent living centers and work sites. The organization must have a suitable growing space on its property to build a garden (equivalent to 4 feet by 8 feet by 16 inches.)

And there must be an organized group of people willing to maintain the garden.

Other funding requirements include:

• The organization must have signage stating it is a smoke-free environment.
• A minimum of 10 percent of the garden produce must be made available to low-income individuals or charitable organizations.
• At least one individual from the project must complete an introduction to gardening training with the Highland Lakes Master Gardeners at The Helping Center of Marble Falls’ community garden. The training is at no cost to the organization.

All applications will be evaluated by the Highland Lakes Health Partnership Transforming Texas Committee. Applications must be submitted by mail no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 21. The submission address is Kristen Eastman, MPH, 211 Commerce Blvd., Suite 111, Round Rock, TX 78644.

Questions regarding the funding and application process should be directed to mcammack@wcchd.org or keastman@wcchd.org.

editor@thepicayune.com