Gardening program helps people with disabilities grow food and give back to the community

Anchor/Reporter

A flourishing garden in Marlborough, Massachusetts, is giving people with disabilities an opportunity to grow fresh produce while helping address food insecurity in their community.

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The greenhouse and garden beds are located behind a residence operated by Thrive Support and Advocacy, which provides residential, in-home, day and social recreation services.

“We’re seeing people be much brighter and much happier and amazed by the things that we’re doing,” Thrive President and CEO Sean Rose said.

The garden, funded by the Jean Wood Preston grant, is in its first year. Residents help water, weed and harvest everything from peppers and tomatoes to eggplant and cucumbers.

“The plants started in there in the greenhouse, but then we moved them out here for sunlight,” resident Melissa Pickett said.

Some of the produce is used for meals at Thrive, while some is donated to Flourish at Thrive, a food pantry in Worcester.

The pantry and an adjoining community space were created with help from students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Flourish also provides options for people with specialized dietary needs.

“We offer gluten-free pastas. We offer sugar-free options for our diabetic population, low-sodium options,” Director of Nursing Emma Duprey said.

For Pickett, sharing the garden’s harvest is particularly meaningful.

“I just love being able to give back to the community,” she said.

“It gives them a sense of pride, and it gives them a sense of belonging, and it gives them a sense of giving back,” Rose said.

Rose said about 75% of the individuals Thrive serves receive SNAP benefits or experience some form of food insecurity.

Find more information about Thrive here.