“The idea resulted from discussions with the Taylorville Food Pantry and the Taylorville Community Garden after the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified obesity as a top priority,” said Darin Buttz, director of Community Health at TMH. “We determined there was an opportunity to offer fresh vegetables for our community members in need.”
Volunteers with the TMH Community Garden grow and donate several varieties of tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, squash, green beans and herbs. The Community Garden also benefits TMH employees who may spend their work break or lunch outside in the sunshine, weeding or helping to harvest vegetables.
“Our volunteers harvest vegetables once or twice a week when the garden is ready,” Buttz said. “It has been a popular activity and a great way to give back to those in our community who are in need.”