The UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension office has recently added a new face. Eden Santiago is the new Community Garden Program Assistant for the Pasco Extension Horticulture program. Eden will be working specifically on the east side of Pasco County to develop community gardens in the low-income communities. This program is designed to lower monthly grocery bills, increase consumption of fresh fruits and veggies, and promote healthy lifestyle changes. Private donors, the Pasco County Government, Pasco Housing Authority, Pasco Master Gardeners, and the City of Dade City have partnered to offer supplies, financial support, fencing materials, tools, plants, park property and more to ensure the program is a success. We’re looking for more partners and hope to expand the program by fall 2017 into other neighborhoods. If you’re interested in volunteering, donating supplies/equipment, or getting involved with gardening in one of the east side neighborhoods, please call Eden at 352-518-0156.

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