That’s me on the left side in the middle! Brad is directly to my left and some volunteers are joining us!

Hello all! I’m writing on behalf of the Union County Community Garden Coalition! My name is Mallory Warmack, I am serving my second season with the coalition. I work as an intern, meaning I do a little bit of everything. I maintain gardens, harvest produce, run errands, build beds, organize volunteers, and whatever else the boss needs done.

I attend Murray State University and major in Journalism. I am involved in the college youth group at Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray and really enjoy spending time with the friends I have made down there. I am also a member of the Delta Omega chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi, and a proud one at that! I love Murray and all of the opportunities and relationships I have gain through my university, but there is just something about home!

Union County has given so much to me over the 18 years I have walked this earth and I don’t think I could ever do enough to repay the people of this community. However, I have found a way to start.

The Union County Community Garden Coalition is an amazing way to give back to such a loyal county. I get to involve myself in something that I actually think could change this county for the better.

My dad and I would always grow our own garden in our backyard, I guess that where my love for agriculture began. It was time well spend with my dad, and it was so cool to watch to plants mature over time. Plus, I loved being able to see mom put food on the dinner table that I grew! Nothing makes you proud quite like people enjoying something that you had a hand in creating. My love for agriculture grew enormously when I joined the FFA. My advisors and fellow members taught me so much about the benefits of growing your own food.

You see, not many people understand the benefits of growing local. Not only can we control the chemicals that are put on our food, but it saves so much money!

Childhood obesity is, in my opinion, the most over looked concern in society today. Time we sped outside is getting shorter and shorter and the food we give our kids is full of sugar and preservatives. When did hours in front of a TV become more fun than cops and robbers in the back yard, and I don’t know about any of you, but watermelon was my favorite summer treat.

One of the main goals of the coalition is to educate. With every garden we provide, we teach. The old saying “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime,” has never made so much sense in my life. I love to garden, but even more than that, I love to contribute beneficial education to my community.

This garden project is on track to grow triple its current size by the end of this season, and I am super excited! With everyone’s help and contribution this could be a huge economic and health benefit for our county! Hope to see you all out in the gardens!

Signed,

Mal