State Farm and Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) Sow Seeds for Community Gardens Initiative

A $28,000 State Farm® Youth Advisory Board grant will allow young residents of NRHA assisted-rental communities to sow the seeds for community gardens that improve land-use, access to fresh produce and healthy lifestyles.

State Farm, City of Norfolk, NRHA officials, community leaders and students will celebrate this fall harvest at 2:30 pm October 18, 2012 in the community garden located at Calvert Square apartments, 975 Bagnall Rd. in Norfolk.

Residents of NRHA assisted-rental communities lack proximity or economic access to fresh and nutritional food outlets. Poor diet and lack of consistent physical activity is a significant contributor to obesity, which leads to other serious health problems. Research shows that obesity rises as incomes fall.

By cultivating and tending community gardens, located in their neighborhood or at their elementary school, youth can encourage their peers to eat healthier at a younger age as well as be an example for parents, elderly and disabled residents.

As with many urban centers, Norfolk is challenged with improving indicators and outcomes for healthy lifestyles. In that regard, Norfolk City Council earlier this year adopted a “Healthy Norfolk” initiative “that through community collaboration will support health and well being by actively promoting healthy policies, environmental change and education.”

The NRHA Community Garden Program received $28,440 from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board. NRHA is one of only 68 organizations to receive a service-learning, youth-led grant across the U.S. and Canada. The State Farm Youth Advisory Board has granted over $24 million in grant money since 2006, empowering youth to implement service learning in 397 communities.

“The young adults on the State Farm Youth Advisory Board picked this grant because it stood out in a sea of applications,” said State Farm Agent Garry Price. “I recently met one of the young gardeners, and I understand exactly why this project was chosen. These students are ambitious, and I believe we will see the positive effects of their work all over Norfolk.”

“I think this is exactly the type of community collaboration City Council has in mind as we make Norfolk an even better place to live,” said NRHA Chief Executive Officer Shurl Montgomery. “We are grateful for State Farm’s recognition and partnership in this healthy initiative.”