Placer Resource Conservation District tackles food insecurity one plant at a time

The Placer Resource Conservation District recently distributed 100 container garden kits to alleviate food insecurity and improve food resiliency in Placer County. The container garden kits, made possible by a new Urban Ag and Community Initiative through the Placer Resource Conservation District, were distributed in partnership with the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet in Auburn and the Salt Mine Food Closet in Lincoln. Each recipient of the container garden kit took home a pot with high-quality potting soil, a tomato plant and trellis. In addition, each recipient can receive virtual or in-person technical assistance should they need further guidance on growing and caring for their plant. "Fresh food can be hard to come by for people experiencing food insecurity," said Andrew Justus Fritz, Outreach and Grants Specialist with the Placer Resource Conservation District. Living without adequate nutrition can affect every aspect of life, including emotions, stress capacity, decision making, long-term health and more, Justus Fritz said. The container garden hopes to alleviate nutrition scarcity, provide an opportunity for folks to grow their own food while extending an invitation to relationship, he said. "Through this initiative, we are putting to practice this idea that conservation and abundance go hand in hand. You know conservation is working when everyone benefits." All residents living within the Placer RCD service area can benefit from this initiative. Free backyard and balcony produce garden technical assistance is offered to anyone who wants to start a garden or has an existing garden; urban, suburban or rural. For inquiries about produce and vegetable garden technical assistance, email Soil Health Specialist Brian Pimentel at brian@placerrcd.org.