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WIC Community Garden

WIC Community Garden

WIC Community Garden is a partnership between Michigan State University Extension and WIC. The garden was developed to increase exposure and intake to fresh fruits and vegetables. . The garden is host to a variety of produce including tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, cucumbers, collards, kale, onions, beans, peas, strawberries, and herbs. The harvested vegetables from the garden are distributed to WIC clients on a first come, first served basis. MSU Extension hosts educational programming for WIC clients at the garden during the summer season. Recipes are given out to encourage the use of garden produce in new ways. The garden includes four beds (4 feet x 25 feet each) and a water spigot and is fenced in to deter animals.

  • Garden was funded through the Health Innovation Grant from MDHHS.
  • We estimate that 100+ clients have received produce thus far, and roughly 143 pounds of produce has been distributed.

Mission

  1. Create a vegetable garden on health department grounds as a demonstration project.
  2. Improve client awareness about vegetable gardening and benefits of incorporating fruits and vegetables as part of daily healthy diet.
  3. Improve public awareness of the project via Wayne County website.

Steps for Planting Your Own Garden

  1. Plan early- don't wait until summer to start planning your garden! Some plants need to be started from seeds and can take a little longer to grow than small plants. Some vegetables need to be planted in the spring and others later in the summer. Start planning in the winter.
  2. Start small- but choose plants that produce a lot. Some plants, like tomatoes, usually produce a lot and are relatively easy to grow. Others, like corn, may only produce one vegetable per plant. Choose varieties that are low maintenance until you get the hang of gardening. You can even plant most vegetables in small pots on your porch if you don't have the space for a garden bed.
  3. Share/trade with others. Borrow tools, equipment, and share seeds with friends and family if you can. Some tools are only used once or twice a season and can be expensive. Often when buying seed packets, you receive more than you need. And if you trade produce with neighbors or family, you can try more varieties!
  4. Have fun! Gardens can be a great teaching opportunity for kids, can be very relaxing and can provide you with delicious and nutritious produce.

Contact Us

Lindsey Kerr

Consumer Horticulture Educator

734-419-9123

kerrlind@msu.edu