One in eight households in Utah struggle to afford enough food; that’s more than 350,000 people. This is often a hidden problem that impacts families and individuals in all communities. The Utah Conservation Corps began the Urban Community Farm in Cache Valley with the intention to strengthen community food security, increase participation in civic agriculture, and to teach self-sufficiency, environmental, and agricultural education. Volunteers of the UCC Urban Community Farm learn how to grow their own produce and learn about healthy food, diet, and wellness.
In addition, they are taught specialty techniques for year-round production, pest management and biodiversity. Community gardens offer physical and mental health benefits including greater access to healthy foods and promote physical activity. Volunteers can grow and harvest the produce which is then donated to local food banks. In 2018, they donated more than 1,500 pounds of food to the low-income community.
SelectHealth recognizes the community nourishment provided by The Utah Conservation Corps Urban Community Farm as another example of how Utah Gives Back.