GWINN, Mich. (WLUC) – One non-profit group in a small Upper Michigan community helped install a gardening project at a new high school.
While some Gwinn residents were sleeping in, The Gwinn Lions Club and volunteers were building garden beds on Saturday morning.
The beds were placed on the side of the Gwinn Middle and High School.
Club member Steve Finley says this initiative is part of a food system project.
“We are here to build 20 boxes filled with good soil and we will actually be starting some crops before fall,” Finley said.
Finley says this project will be used in the Gwinn district farm-to-school program. He says this new garden will one day benefit the entire community.
“To provide lunches, in boxes to kids to take home with them and to also have a variety of foods during the school year,” Finley said, “One of the goals will be to raise 500 pounds of carrots here, and beans, kale, tomatoes, all kinds of things.”
Lions club members also say it’s beneficial since Gwinn is a food desert where all the food comes from 3,000 miles away.
Gwinn Area Community School Board Superintendent Dr. Sara Croney says this project helps make food more accessible for everyone.
“We have been providing free breakfast, free lunch but healthy options, and fresh vegetables,” Croney said. “You’re not necessarily going to be able to get that at the prices we are all experiencing right now.”
Gwinn High School Freshman Alannah Barrett says she loves gardening, but Saturday, she volunteered her time for fun.
“I wanted to do it, I like helping out in the community and I think is just nice for kids to be more involved,” Barrett said.
Club members also say their next step is to soon build a community garden somewhere in K.I. Sawyer.
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