ugc feature pdf edited
- 1. Urban Gardening Coalition solves McLennan County Hunger Problems A few short blocks away from Baylor University’s campus is Baylor’s community garden, where the Heart of Texas Urban Gardening Coalition (UGC) works to solve hunger issues. On May 9 UGC will host its first Roots Day event, which they hope becomes an annual event. UGC hopes to raise awareness for the issue of senior hunger and provide community members with tools to decrease senior food insecurity. UGC was able to organize Roots Day after their partner, the Baylor University Campus Kitchen, received a grant. “We feel this event is important to the community because senior hunger and wellness are serious issues in Waco and we want to provide an educational and enjoyable environment to promote overall senior wellness,” said Kathleen Lokey, UGC events and volunteer coordinator. UGC is a nonprofit organization that works to solve hunger issues affecting McLennan County and provide better access to fresh, healthy food. Lokey said gardening gives people skills in math, science and other areas. “Gardening is important because children can learn where their food comes from,” Lokey said. “You learn about gardening, and you learn a lot of life skills as well.” UGC partners with organizations such as the Baylor Campus Kitchen and hosts events such as Junior Master Gardener Training and Roots Day to educate community members of all ages on the importance of gardening and growing healthy food. Coleman Fannin, Great Text lecturer at Baylor, brought his daughter to Junior Master Gardener Training where she learned how to make food from what is growing in the Baylor Community Garden. “Its great for her to be outside,” Fannin said. “It’s a great set of skills for her to learn.” Students from the local area volunteer at UGC and believe students should learn how to grow their own food and not rely on restaurants and grocery stores. Taylor Anderson Tioga, N.D., senior, volunteers at UGC to teach community members, especially students, the benefits of gardening. “Students should learn how to garden because it will end up cheaper than buying stuff at the store,” Anderson said. “And they can also teach their friends.” Contact: Kathleen Lokey |Phone: 254-227-5380 | Email: [email protected]