The economy is in bad shape, and few places have escaped the downturn. Neighborhoods that were struggling to begin with are suffering even more acutely now. Thus, efforts to alleviate the effects of poverty are more important now than ever. Together, the Oxford Family Resource Center (FRC), the Oxford Community Choice Pantry and Miami University have created a project to reduce the problem of hunger. The editorial board of The Miami Student applauds the opening of the FRC's Oxford Community Garden. Volunteers can cultivate a designated plot of the garden, the produce from which will be donated to the Choice Pantry.
The local need is real as more than 1,000 children in the Talawanda school district receive free or reduced-cost lunches. In addition, the Choice Pantry has experienced a growing demand for food, which is not surprising given the condition of the economy. The produce donated from the garden not only will add to the amount of food, but also will increase the variety. It also will serve as a healthy and fresh option where most of the food is processed or packaged.
We feel the integrated approach, in which Miami and Oxford have joined hands, to combat hunger and poverty is promising and deserves recognition. Everyone benefits from this project: students learn and hungry bellies are filled. Gardening is also rewarding on a personal level. The fulfillment of growing one's own food can serve as victory in spite of other defeats. Furthermore, gardening is a lifelong skill, which people can take with them wherever they go. It can be used to supplement a family's diet at a reduced cost. Rather than giving just once, the garden will repeatedly donate, making sure the current need is met as well as any need in the future.
Because the produce will be grown and eaten locally, it follows Butler County Commissioner Gregory Jolivette's encouragement to "buy local." Overall, the garden is an enormous positive during a time when positives are not always easy to find.
