University Area Residents to Start Community Garden with Green Emphasis

The University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC) is bringing a community garden to the heart of the University Area neighborhood at 1910 E. 137th Ave., Tampa, FL 33613. A ribbon cutting on Nov. 23 at 10:00 a.m. will commence the official opening of the garden, which will provide residents of the community the opportunity to grow their own fruits and vegetables. Not only will this increase access and affordability of healthy eating options, but it will also strengthen community bonds and create recreational and therapeutic opportunities.

The UACDC broke ground on Sept. 4 when community members banded together to assemble garden beds, construct micro irrigation and speak about best gardening practices with UACDC workers.

“We are very excited to launch our community garden in the University Area,” said Sarah Combs, chief operations officer at UACDC. “Good nutrition is a key component in keeping our residents healthy. We know this initiative will greatly help those who are malnourished and struggling financially. It will also educate the community about making environmentally friendly decisions.”

The UACDC Community Garden has space for 40 garden beds and will provide nutritious, fresh produce for its gardeners. By using organic gardening methods, their produce will be much healthier than those grown on most commercial farms. The garden will also help produce oxygen and reduce air pollution, while eliminating waste by using grass clippings and other organic materials as fertilizer.

All members of the community garden are welcome to sell some of the food they grow as a way to make extra income. Residents of the University Area can call Carly Henry at (813) 558-5212 or send an email to [email protected] to learn how to participate.

About UACDC
The University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. (UACDC) is a 501(c)(3) public/private partnership whose mission is children and family development, crime prevention, and commerce growth. Its primary focus is the redevelopment and sustainability of the at-risk areas surrounding the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida. The UACDC was named nonprofit of the year for public and societal benefit by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in 2011 and 2012. It is headquartered in the University Area Community Center Complex, owned by Hillsborough County and operated by the UACDC, which is located at 14013 North 22nd Street in Tampa. For more information about UACDC, please visit www.uacdc.org or call Dan Jurman at (813) 558-5212 x208.

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