Edible Flint Works to Address Water Emergency through Urban Gardening

Urban Agriculture Organization Makes a Positive Impact in Flint Communities

Flint, Mich. – February 5, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — Since 2009, Edible Flint has been working with individuals and institutional partners to support Flint residents in growing and accessing healthy food in order to reconnect with the land and each other. As a part of their continuing outreach to Flint’s residents, Edible Flint is gearing up to ensure a bumper crop of lead fighting vegetables and address concerns over urban gardening in Flint.

Edible Flint supports more than 300 community and individual gardens in the city through its Garden Starters program. This program provides gardening classes, technical expertise, resources and supplies. In response to the recent Flint water emergency, the organization has plans to expand their programs as they prepare for the upcoming gardening season.

Not only are they looking to support additional food gardeners through their Garden Starters program, they are currently reviewing the selection of seeds and transplants being distributed this year to ensure vegetables that fight lead exposure are included. In addition, Edible Flint, which tests approximately 50 new gardens each year, will be increasing the number soil tests (including lead screening) for Flint’s food gardens. They also intend to provide hose filters for garden irrigation for program participants.

“Edible Flint is committed to supporting Flint residents by providing access to resources to grow nutritious fresh food,” said Terry McLean, Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) Educator, and Edible Flint Leadership Board Member. “Through our urban gardening program we hope to provide a catalyst for recovery and community engagement.”

McLean added, Edible Flint has been working with MSUE partners to reassure gardeners of the safety of eating and growing vegetables grown in Flint’s community gardens.

For more information on Edible Flint, visit http://www.edibleflint.org.

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NOTE: ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES ARE BEING HANDLED BY THE JOINT INFORMATION CENTER AT 888-EMD-TODAY (888-363-8632). FOR FLINT WATER EMERGENCY DONATION INFORMATION, GO TO www.helpforflint.com.