CARESOUTH SOUTHCAROLINA – Society Hill Community Garden
(Sustaining funds recipient)
Recognizing the need in the community, Care South Carolina is proud to partner with the community to provide the Society Hill Garden, an initiative dedicated to addressing food deserts and promoting nutrition within the local community.
The Society Hill Garden, which was founded in late September 2022, embarked on its journey with the support of a small grant and a dream of providing more access to fresh fruits and vegetables for the residents of Society Hill. The heart of the Society Hill Garden is rooted in its mission to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the residents of Society Hill, a food desert with no access to grocery stores or restaurants.
Thanks to the collaboration of funds the received from USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Community Resources Connections (CRC), inc. The grant made it possible to acquire the essential resources needed for the garden in 2023. This investment allowed the garden to expand significantly, accommodating twice as many gardeners as it initially started with. We were also able to receive an additional Grant in 2024 to assist with sustaining the garden.
Care South Carolina Community Health Educator Christy Beasley, who played a vital role in the project, shared her enthusiasm for the project.
The impact of the Society Hill Garden extends beyond the provision of fresh produce. The garden offers a platform for community engagement, encouraging anyone with an interest in gardening to participate at no cost. Additionally, community plant swaps are hosted regularly, fostering a sense of shared ownership and collaboration.
With multiple empty beds available, the project emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and long-term impact. Plans are already in motion to further expand the initiative, including the development of a dedicated children’s garden and the introduction of beehives and chicken coops.
Beasley emphasized the significance of promoting nutrition as a Community Health Educator.
“I can tell people all day that they should eat fruits and veggies, but if they don’t have access, it becomes extremely difficult,” Beasley said.
The Society Hill Community Garden is expanding by leaps and bounds! So much has been added, it’s hard to keep track of it all. Dick Baird who, with his wife, Diane, coordinate and manage the garden, took me on a tour this morning. There are such healthy plants and the vegetables are beautiful. They have squash, okra, several different types and sizes of tomatoes, sunflowers, watermelons, zucchini, Jerusalem artichokes, peppers, flowers and so much more!
Baird said the people helping with the garden realize that it benefits the community in so many ways. He hopes others within the community will take a strong interest as well.
The garden is located just off S. Main Street, beside St. David’s Academy.
