Hello! My name is Barry Jones, I am a senior English major at Hampton University. I have taken it upon myself to approach the Town council of Cheswold, Delaware to construct a community garden due to a disturbing rise in the local poverty rate as well the dramatic increase in the construction of fast food restaurants in the neighboring towns and cities. The Town of Cheswold has accepted my proposal. In January, a waterline project was initiated, which will extend a viable waterline to the location of the garden.

As the project continues, Town council members have asked me to garner support for the garden. Once the garden is completed, I will begin looking for volunteers, donors, and more. Signing this petition simply is a sign of support for our goal and mission. Please read some excerpts from my proposal below for more information! 

Inherency: The town of Cheswold makes for the perfect location for a community-based garden. As the town is situated directly off Rt. 13, citizens are surrounded by a plethora of easily accessible unhealthy eating options. With the rapid growth of local population over the last eight years, the need for a sustainable and affordable source of healthy and organic dietary options became clear. According to the most recent census, the Town of Cheswold has a poverty rate of 24.52%; more than double the national average. All of the aforementioned factors culminate to set the stage for a need based garden that offers an opportunity for the citizens of Cheswold and surrounding areas to receive much needed relief in the form of ethically and organically sourced produce. The particular model of a community oriented garden that is being proposed is rooted in duality. This community garden not only serves as a place of accessibility to free and organic produce but it also serves as a place of dietary, agricultural, and anthropological education.

Benefits: Implementing such a space in the center of Cheswold reinvigorates a sense of purpose, town pride, and town accountability. As a town that is ravaged by poverty, a need-based community garden provides lower-income residents an opportunity to receive organically grown and harvested produce. Thus combatting the notion of cheap, easily attainable unhealthy eating options that are proximate to the town. 

How it will work: Once complete, the Sanctuary Community Garden will open to the public every other weekend during the growing season, allowing citizens to harvest their own produce. In addition to opening every other weekend, the Sanctuary Garden will be maintained and kept by town volunteers.

Thank you for taking the time to read more about this project. Your support brings us one step closer to making the Sanctuary Community Garden in Cheswold, Delaware a reality!