By John Dean
contributing on behalf of the Central Louisiana Local Foods Initiative
Eat Local Catahoula, one of the many parish-level local food coalitions in the region, is well into its biggest community project yet.
Based on a series of community discussions, Eat Local Catahoula, in partnership with the Healthy Initiatives Coalition and the Good Food Project, have broken ground on a new community garden space in the center of Jonesville. Not only does the garden offer an opportunity for community residents to learn to grow their own produce, they may also sell what they grow at the nearby Harrisonburg Farmers Market.
Local farmer Calvin Holly donated his time and equipment to plow up the space. His helper, Bobby O’Steen, also participated. Both Holly and O’Steen are seen in the picture above.
An important part of the project involves kids. According to Eat Local Catahoula member Sondra Redmon: “We are most excited about sharing farming and entrepreneurship with Catahoula Parish’s youth.”
If you have questions about the project, or would like to learn more, contact Sarah LaPrarie at sarahlaprarie@yahoo.com.
** Dean’s official title is “regional food systems planner with the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance.” This article first appeared in the Central Louisiana Local Foods Update news letter, which Dean compiles each week. **