After a brief but dreary winter season, spring is finally in the air in Baton Rouge. The blooming azaleas and warming temperatures mark the advent of the growing season for local farmers and gardeners.
At the Baton Roots community farm, farmers are experiencing a different kind of growth: over the last year, Baton Roots has more than doubled its footprint, expanding to its full 4 acres at BREC Howell Park and establishing satellite sites at Capitol High, Glen Oaks High, and Scotlandville High School thanks in part to support from community partners including a $10,000 donation from AETNA.
Ever since the first community garden was established in North Baton Rouge in January 2019, Baton Roots has provided invaluable programming and fresh produce to those in need of healthy food.
With the help of partners like AETNA, Baton Roots can continue to expand its programs such as Hustle & Grow, a training program that connects youth to workforce development in agriculture, and the Harmony Intergenerational Garden, a space that connects all generations through growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Such programs not only provide fresh, healthy food to an area that falls under the designation of a “food desert”, but also provides opportunities to connect with the community and combat the social isolation caused by the spread of COVID-19.
Thank you to AETNA for supporting this vital community asset!