Collaborative Community Garden

Vital Stats

Niki S

people helped100
People Doing It 75

The Problem

The Collaborative is a youth substance prevention coalition. We have numerous programs designed to keep youth occupied with various fun and educational activities. We advocate the importance of a substance free youth and healthy living, particularly aimed at at-risk youth. One of our greater initiatives is involving positive adult mentors and role models in the youth's lives. Our Collaborative Community Garden is a way we do this. Our garden is facilitated by our Extended-day After School program (ages 6-12) and Vermont Kids Against Tobacco (ages 12-14) during the year and our Collaborative Camp during the summer. Any member of the community is able to visit the garden for personal use any time they wish. Our Mentor-Mentee program which pairs positive adult role models with elementary and middle school students also make use of our garden. All students (camp, middle, and elementary students) who use the garden as part of a curriculum will also receive education about healthy living and nutrition, how to use the produce they grow, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Plan of Action

The Collaborative Garden will be available at all times to anyone who would like to participate in it during all usable seasons. The Collaborative estimates that the garden will impact all 275 Flood Brook Union School students regularly, but we are looking forward to expanding and serving many more by growing our space and produce available. We will increase the space available and keep track of our expansion and growth of plants, trees, and produce. The youth involved have and will continue to take part in providing 40 meal deliveries twice a year to shut-ins and senior citizens in the area and sponsor one church meal. The provided food will be delivered by youth, but also prepared as well as grown and cared for by youth throughout the season. At the end of the season The Collaborative will also plan our Harvest Festival, which uses and celebrates the produce harvested by the youth all throughout the season. This end of season celebration invites our community to experience our garden and commemorate our youth and volunteers who worked diligently in the garden.

Environment

Physical and Mental Health

Healthy Living

Organic Food

Sustainability