It's Time Texas: Gardening Coalition Targets Poor, Urban Areas - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

With more than 80 percent of students eligible for free or reduced lunch in Waco school districts, many families in the area are simply going hungry.

And without access to enough food, it's that much more difficult to make sure families eat well-balanced, healthy foods. But there's a group in town making a difference in small communities across Waco.

As part of the continuing "It's Time Texas" series on healthy living we examine how the Urban Gardening Coalition is getting people out of the streets and into the garden.

At 12th and Mary there's an all-organic garden with more than 20 plants.

It's tended to with love and care. But what's interesting isn't what's inside, but outside the garden.

It sits in one of the poorest areas in the city.

"We wanted this garden to be a place of refreshment, a connection place in the neighborhood," said current garden manager Conway Del Conte.

Acts ministries obtained the resources to grow the garden from the Urban Gardening Coalition.They hope it helps people in need gain access to healthy food.

"Having a garden in an area that's a food desert, which this is, increases that physical access," said Zac Bryan on behalf of the coalition.

Anyone can help plant or pick, and of course take some veggies for the road.

"Harvesting is pretty cool. Cause you just come down here and see what's all growing what have you done to help the garden," said 18-year-old Demarcus Jones.

This garden thrives off a $400 dollar grant and donated items. For their stakes they use bamboo straight from Cameron Park.

"It's not only teaching people where food comes from, but it's also supplementing our pantry with fresh produce," Del Conte said.

The Acts pantry serves 200 families every Wednesday. People there say the fresh veggies are a nice addition.

"You can cut the tomato, put a little salt on it and you've got it made," laughs volunteer and pantry client Josie Rios.

Helping people help themselves. With a helping of healthy food.

They hope the now around 20 community gardens in Waco grow to hundreds.

Because it's time Texas to start eating healthy foods.

Memberships to the Urban Gardening Coalition costs $5 for individuals, $25 for non-profits and $50 for businesses.

They also keep a booth at the Waco Farmer's Market to allow gardeners to sell extra produce so they can re-invest in their garden.

Reporter: Rebecca Schleicher/Photographer: Rudy Villarreal
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So everyone can eat and live in good health.