Local growers are transforming their empty spaces into lush edible gardens in hope of better communities.
For urban farmer Charles Sutton gardening means more than just looks. In his garden you can find plants like basil, habaneropeppers and tomatoes.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 59% of Indiana counties are classified as food deserts or low-income and low food access areas.
In Vanderburghcounty, there’s a 16% food insecurity rate, Feeding America data reports.
Sutton hopes to create food security with his edible garden. But he says food is not the only reason why projects like these can improve our quality of life.
Initiatives like these continue to grow nationwide in low-income areas. According to the US Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, a community gardening program can reduce food insecurity, improve dietary intake, reduce the crime rate and strengthen family relationships.