Growing Change: Community Farm Educates on Food Insecurity in Madison County

ANDERSON — Community Farm, located on the campus of Community Hospital Anderson, is making a significant impact in Madison County by educating people about food insecurity and providing fresh produce to those in need.

The farm yields roughly 30,000 pounds of food per year, with peppers being one of the most popular crops grown. All of the produce is donated to local pantries and neighbors in need.

"We're trying to bring people to the community to the hospital, not just for emergency reasons. They're coming here to learn to grow food and take food home to eat it," said Farm Manager Mikkal Hodge.

Madison County ranks among the top 15 counties in the state for food insecurity, impacting an estimated 20,000 people. To address this issue, Community Farm has launched two new garden clubs: The Bloomers for adults and The Seedlings for kids.

Folks get to dig in, learn sustainable gardening skills, and grow fresh produce together. Children like 8-year-old Olivia Friend and 7-year-old Astrid Gusman are excited about the opportunity to help their community.

"I really like nature, because butterflies and all kinds of animals and stuff that are out in the world. Plants are really cool to find," said Gusman.

Gusman is proud to know her hard work in the garden is helping others in her community.

"It makes me feel super glad! Like I learned in school, helping people makes them feel a bit better," Gusman said.