Community Gardens program for kids

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Area farmers have a little extra competition this year with a few green thumbs that are younger than usual.

Children with the YMCA after-school program are beginning a community garden with the help of Ivy Tech agriculture students.

Day campers at YMCA will tend the gardens throughout the summer and harvest the vegetables. Children from Junior Achievement will then sell the veggies at the farmer's market this fall.. and proceeds will be used to fund the program next summer.

"I like when we get dirty and put the seeds in and do all the work," Hunter Cooley with the YMCA after school program, said.

There will be two plots at the Purdue Extension office and one plot at the Columbian Park Zoo. Produce the youth plant at the zoo will be used to feed the animals.

"I hope the kids learn. I hope they gain some understanding of agriculture and financial literacy and health components," Jim Cowgill, Assistant Director for Student Live, Development and Leadership with Ivy Tech and the YMCA, said.

The Community Gardens program is being funded by the Intersection Connection, a partnership of Ivy Tech Community College, Junior Achievement, Lafayette Family YMCA, Lafayette Parks and Recreation and Indiana University Health Arnett.