Arkansas grandparents grow relationship with grandchildren through gardening

An increasing number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Cooperative Extension Program is developing ways to support them and provide necessary resources. One way is by helping grandparents to grow their own food.

The university’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences partnered with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service and the Pine Bluff First Assembly church to bring together grandparents and their grandchildren for an experience of planting and harvesting produce at a community garden. Guided by university project leaders, the participants planted and cared for an assortment of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Not only did they learn how to garden, but they also learned about stormwater, effective parenting, sweet potato production management and communications and computer skills.

Currently, there are 10 grandparents and seven grandchildren involved in the program. One grandparent remarked, “I’m very thankful for the gardening program and the experience it has given my family. A portion of our church backyard has been transformed from a lawn to a vibrant community garden. I believe this is the third year, and each year has brought a better experience, new faces, additional veggies and fruits and a plentiful harvest until late fall. Thank you, UAPB, for keeping us connected and teaching us to thrive off the land.”

Another participant stated, “The garden gave me the opportunity to utilize some of my gardening skills that I learned in my childhood. As an added bonus, I watched our community enjoy a variety of organic food from the garden.”

Project supported by USDA Capacity – Extension funds.