Chisholm explores community garden

CHISHOLM—A meeting is being held to gauge interest and come up with plans for a community garden in Chisholm.

From 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, interested parties will have an opportunity to discuss options at Chisholm Baptist Church.

Chisholm City Councilor Jed Holewa said while campaigning for office, citizens expressed a need for a community garden.

Following up on a campaign promise, Holewa has looked into the matter and found a couple of people willing to the lead.

Holewa said more people are needed to help get the project off the ground.

The benefits of having a community garden are many, including cost savings and health benefits of fresh grown produce.

“The price of food is through the roof,” Holewa said. “There’s also benefits of teaching people how to grow their own food—that’s super important too.”

The Minnesota Department of Health, on its website, lists benefits of having access to healthy food.

“People who eat a healthy diet are at lower risk for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, tooth decay and some cancers,” it states.

Other benefits of healthy eating, listed on the website are: weight control, lower blood pressure, increased energy levels, strengthen bones, and improved brain function.

Holewa said a couple of people have expressed an interest in leading the project, and others are still needed.

There are steps that need to be taken before the project can come to fruition, including identifying a site and getting approval of the city council.

“We’re exploring options,” Holewa said. “It still has to go through Planning and Zoning.”

Once it goes through Planning and Zoning, the recommendation would go to the council for a final vote.