Habitat for Humanity sets up community garden in Ypsilanti

Farming has usually been reserved for those in the country.

Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley is trying to change that. Habitat, along with community gardening organization Growing Hope, has worked for three years to establish a community-supported garden on Firwood Street in Ypsilanti.

The goal of the garden is to provide fresh produce to the needy families who have Habitat-built homes. That encourages healthful eating habits and decreases food expenses.

“It will allow our homeowners to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Megan Rodgers, development associate for Habitat. “It’s cheaper and healthier to grow your own.“

The garden will be cared for by members of the Homeowners’ Association and the Food Buyers Club through Habitat. Rodgers said a few families in the area have become active in cultivation of the garden.

“The children in the neighborhood have really embraced this,” she said.

Each Thursday, families gather to work on the garden. The start-up costs, including the land, were funded by Habitat and Growing Hope.

“It’s a work in progress,” Rodgers said. “It takes a long time to cultivate a garden like that.”

Jessica Kerman is an intern for AnnArbor.com. Reach our news desk at 734-623-2530 or news@annarbor.com.