Garden project continues to grow strong

A scheme that helps give homeless people access to fresh food is now in its second year and continuing to grow strong.

From planting seeds in greenhouses to vegetable patches, the Genesis House Garden project aims to provide homeless people with fresh produce.

The scheme in western Benton County is in its second year and grows a variety of produce including peas, squash and tomatoes.

Individuals without shelter or provisions can use facilities at the centre if they learn horticulture techniques and complete 20 hours of work during growing season, explained NWA News.

Vicky Halley thought up the idea of introducing a flower patch to the house in order to give low-income families access to fresh produce they would otherwise not consume.

"A lot of kids just assume peas come from a can," she told the news provider. "A lot of what they get is canned goods.

"Some people have said I wouldnt even know how to cook a green bean."

The plants are grown without the use of pesticides and most of the materials are donated to the scheme, the website concluded.

Another project run by the centre is Growing up Green, which is an educational programme to teach youngsters about plants.