The Macomb County Health Department (MCHD) recently partnered with Urban Seed, a Macomb County-based organization committed to the transformation of empty lots into community-driven resources to help combat food insecurity, improved health, and local connections. As part of its partnership with Urban Seed, the Macomb County Health Department assisted in helping launch the South Warren Community Garden.
“We have absolutely loved being able to support Urban Seed and the important role they are playing in Macomb County,” said Maria Swiatkowski, Division Director of MCHD’s Health Planning and Promotions Division. “These efforts go a long way in establishing the groundwork for communities to create sustainable resources to address food insecurity and spur increased local support.”
“Any time we can participate in this type of grass-roots partnership it is clearly a win-win scenario for the partner organizations, but the larger impact of this work is in the communities served by this type of collaboration,” said Andrew Cox, Director/Health Officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services. “We’re proud to be involved with Urban Seed and their efforts against food insecurity.”
"As a small non-profit primarily focused on growing food for the community, we couldn't be more appreciative of this foundational partnership with the Macomb County Health Department. The burden of getting new gardens off the ground often falls on the individuals involved, so the resources provided by the Health Department have helped us make a bigger impact in the community, said John Hofmann, Founder/Treasurer of Urban Seed. “This strategic partnership allows us to better serve the community by fighting food insecurity through urban agriculture."
Assistance provided by MCHD included tools, mulch, shovels, tomato cages, wheelbarrows, planters made possible by SNAP-Ed funding in alignment with SNAP-Eds mission to support policy, systems, and environmental changes that improve long-term access to healthy food in underserved communities.
Urban Seed’s South Warren Community Garden is actively seeking volunteers. No experience is needed – Urban Seed is looking for individuals with a willingness to get their hands dirty and help grow something meaningful in the communities they serve. For more information on volunteering with Urban Seed visit https://urbanseed.info/volunteer/.
In addition, community members and local businesses are encouraged to:
- Volunteer to support seasonal planting and maintenance
- Donate to help fund tools, soil, seedlings, and educational programs
- Sponsor a garden bed or workshop series to make a lasting impact
- Spread the word to amplify this homegrown movement for food justice
To learn more or donate, visit: https://urbanseed.info/.
This project was funded in whole or in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation.
