Olin Digs in to Build Community Garden With 5-2-1-0 Grant

The town of Olin has a brand-new community garden, thanks to the collaboration of individuals and several organizations who convened in May to build one at the elementary school. ECICOG and Jones County Iowa Public Health, in cooperation with Olin Elementary School, United Way of East Central Iowa, and Day of Caring, hosted the Olin Community Garden Build Day. The garden is available to any community member who would like fresh produce. Residents are welcome to come and tend the garden or to pick from the 10 raised beds. The school will also use the garden to teach students about the plant life cycle and about healthy eating. The garden was made possible through the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! grant awarded last October to ECICOG with the assistance of Jones County Public Health. For more information about the program, contact Community Development Specialist Jessica Johnson or visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website.