A unique and wonderful partnership has begun in Oxnard. Last year, in an effort to reduce costs while improving the taste and nutrition of meals and reducing impacts on the environment and economy associated with importing produce, the Senior Nutrition Program Garden grew tomatoes on a quarter acre of land in Oxnard. The land is located behind the Juvenile Justice Center.
County of Ventura Area Agency on Aging, which serves over 200,000 meals annually though senior nutrition programs, collaborated with the Probation Agency Juvenile Justice Facility staff to create this positive program. As word of the project spread many business and organizations have come forward to donate time, expertise and resources; please see the list at end of post.
A year later, the garden has grown to two acres. Fifty fruit tress and a wider assortment of vegetables have been added this year. Ventura County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners teach youth gardening skills. Senior volunteers work alongside youths, mentoring while tending the garden. All produce grown at the garden is used to feed seniors in our communities through senior meal programs and local food banks.
Getting involved is easy! If interested please contact Meg Horton at Food Share, 983-7100 ext 105; Diane Beeler (Master Gardener) at 652-1456; or Susan White at the Area Agency on Aging at 477-7311.
Local organizations who have generously contributed to the success of this garden include: Rio Mesa Farms, Agromin, S&E Organic Farms, Harry’s Berries, Luna Fertilizer, Coast Water Solutions, Seminis, Green Thumb International, Brokaw Nurseries, Bikers for Christ, City of Santa Paula, Oxnard & Ventura City Corps, Quality Landscape, Vineyard Mutual Water District, The Greek Restaurant, Food SHARE, LBL Equipment, Technical Dynamix LLC, Driscoll Farms, Sierra Cascade Construction, Limoneira, Do Right Nursery.