Valley United Way Expands Neighborhood Garden Program

The Valley United Way has announced the kickoff dates for its successful Grow Your Own” neighborhood garden program, taking place throughout May at various locations in the lower Naugatuck Valley.

The video above is a recent Valley Indy interview with Valley United Way President Sharon Gibson Ellis about the program.

The program began in 2015 and assists local residents with growing fresh fruits and vegetables in their own neighborhoods while learning to garden and helping to create unity and self-reliance within the community. Low-income area neighbors maintain and harvest produce from their gardens at no cost to the community.

Participants also receive education on healthy eating habits and making better choices.

Kickoff dates and locations are:

· Friday, May 4 — Seymour, Community Center, 3:30pm

· Tuesday, May 8 — Ansonia, YMCA, 3:30pm

· Friday, May 11 — Derby, 5th and Olivia, 3:30pm

· Saturday, May 12 — Ansonia, Gatison Park, 10am

· Friday, May 18 — Derby, Library, 3:30pm

· Saturday, May 19, Ansonia, Beaver Brook, 10am

· Sunday, May 20 — Oxford, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Time TBD

· Thursday, May 24 — Derby, Griffin Hospital, Time TBD

· Friday, May 25 — Ansonia, Pine Lot, 3:30pm

To volunteer or become a Grow Your Own partner or sponsor, visit valleyunitedway.org or call 203 – 926-9478.

The Valley United Way is a leading philanthropic organization serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. Their mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism and collaboration.