Organization’s community garden helps empower next generation

JACKSON, Tenn. — What started as a patch of dirt is now a place where kids learn, neighbors gather and no one leaves empty-handed.

For the past eight years, the “Keep My Hood Good” Community Garden has been more than a green space — it’s a classroom. Local kids come together to get their hands in the soil, learning how to plant, care for and harvest crops.

We spoke with Juanita Jones, founder of the nonprofit, who shares her inspiration for the garden.

“One of the reasons I started the community garden [is] because I saw, in particular just our black culture, we have health issues of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and I realized that if we can just grow our own vegetables, it can help us in our daily living,” said Jones.

The community garden empowers the next generation to combat food insecurity and poverty.

When the plants are harvested, they are given away for free in the community, teaching kids a valuable lesson.

“They have to know how to start something and see it to its end. It is a necessity. Our children are just not educated on how to provide for themselves,” said Jones.

The garden has become a community staple for all generations, whether they are walking the trails or enjoying nature. There are even planting tips stationed around the area.

To learn more about Keep My Hood Good’s upcoming events and harvests, click here.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.