Norwalks Fodor Farms, FCA Create Community Garden

NORWALK, Conn. -- The Family Children’s Agency and Fodor Farms have teamed up again to plant a community garden for its Homeless Services clients. The Norwalk garden is two 4-by-10-foot plots, and the clients chose which vegetables to plant.

A wooden garden frame was built and painted by a client and Jamal Benbow, Homeless Services case manager.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

by Lynn Funk

08/29/2014 4:00 a.m.

“Fodor Farms has been a wonderful partner with FCA over the last five years collaborating on the Homeless Services community garden,” said Robert F. Cashel, president and CEO of FCA. “The education and training provided to the clients is projected to reduce barriers of employment and encourage lifelong healthy habits.”

About 12 Homeless Services participants will tend the garden. It helps clients learn how to eat healthy on a budget. The agency also provides monthly nutrition classes, in which clients are able to interact and ask advice from other gardeners in the community. Tending the garden will also help clients learn to work as part of a team and follow a schedule.

“These skills will not only help reduce the barriers to employment, but encourage self-esteem as they can witness their hard work grow throughout the season,” said Chris Jachino, director of FCA’s Homeless Services.

FCA has been providing care and services to homeless adults and families since 1986. It also offers prevention programs and support for the homeless through the Community Connections Center, Supportive Housing, case management and teaching vocational skills.

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