October 20, 2023- Local organizations including the Southside Improvement Association, the City of Decatur, ADM, Block by Block, and Johns Hill Magnet School are collaborating to create a community garden in the Johns Hill neighborhood.
The project is being spearheaded by the Southside Improvement Association.
“This has not been an easy process,” Kathy Williams, SIA Community Garden Co-Chair said. “It’s been a long process. We started this three years ago. This is where we are, today. If it hadn’t been for all those who planned this and worked for it … I want to give thanks because we didn’t have the money for it but we were encouraged to keep going and so we did.”
The City of Decatur is funding the $25,000 project. The City previously acquired and demolished homes to clear the space of the garden site, located on the corner of East Lawrence Street and South Maffit Street.
“This project is a direct result of the Jasper Street Great Streets Great Neighborhoods,” Cordaryl Patrick, Director of Economic and Community Development said. “This community has said we need more healthy foods. More fresh foods in our community. So I am thankful to the Southside Improvement Association for stepping up to the plate.”
Volunteers from SIA, ADM, and Block by Block spent the day on Friday, October 20th, cultivating the ground and preparing the garden. ADM Cares provided an investment to match employee donations as well as hours put in by volunteers who participate in the project.
“I have worked for ADM for 20 years and most of those 20 years Decatur has been my home,” Matt Kaloupek, ADM said. “I have lived in a few neighborhoods in Decatur. Every one of them I moved into, neighbors around me offered me help. And that’s what we want to, today, is just offer our help as ADM. It’s been nice to hear about how this gonna nourish people and feed the community. Obviously, one of ADM’s goal is to feed the world. Actually, remember when I interviewed with ADM, one of the first people I talked to, they said ADM is here to feed the world. And I take that responsibility seriously. I have never forgotten that. I have carried that with me through my whole career so it’s a noble purpose we have at ADM and it’s why I love working for ADM.”
The garden will have vegetables, fruits, herbs, a butterfly/hummingbird garden, and an open space for events or future garden expansion. Johns Hill Magnet School will have space in the garden for educational purposes. The ground will be maintained by students along with volunteers from SIA and Block by Block.
