By Dillard University
Dillard’s Office of Community and Church Relations has received a grant of $10,000 through the AARP Community Challenge to support a community garden at Bethany United Methodist Church, located in Pontchartrain Park.
The grant will fund 20 raised-bed garden boxes as well as six healthy cooking demonstrations and four health fairs. The community garden will help to fight obesity, diabetes, heart disease and mental health in the New Orleans community.
“Our goal is to build a sustainable community-academic partnership between Dillard University’s Office of Community and Church Relations, Dillard University’s academic departments, AARP and Bethany United Methodist Church, which will mutually benefit the health and welfare of residents by addressing health disparities and the social determinants of residents in underserved communities,” said director of Community and Church Relations Nick Harris.
The AARP Community Challenge is a grant program to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change. It is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages.
“The project will combat food deserts and provide nutrition education by creating and expanding community gardens that produce fresh vegetables for senior citizens and families,” Harris added.
