Nationally 46,224,722 Americans are currently participating in the food stamp, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As of November 2011, 15% (235,573) of Idahoans are currently participating in this program. A majority of these participants are currently unaware that the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 defines eligible food as; any food or food product for home consumption and also includes seeds and plants which produce food for consumption by food stamp (SNAP) households. (USDA)

This means that for those Americans and Idahoans, who have currently found themselves on the threshold of food insecurity, can now purchase seeds and plants which produce food with their food stamp EBT card.

Creating gardens using food stamps can help provide families now considered food insecure with healthier options and twice the amount of fresh produce per dollar spent on seeds. That’s more fresh produce that can give families the nutrients needed for healthy minds and bodies.

A website called SNAP Gardens, provides information to bring awareness to farmers and commercial growers, recipients, and state and local government officials about purchasing seeds and plants with food stamps benefits.

Chinese Proverb states “Give a man a fish fed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a life time.”

So if you’re currently finding yourself amongst the newly food insecure and want to learn how to garden, help stretch the food budget, and get back on the road to self- sufficiency; there is definitely help for you in the state you are living in.

Gardening education is provided by local extension offices and some community gardens right here in Idaho. Beginning this month, The Idaho Foodbank will be offering a new program from Share our Strength called Cooking Matters. This program is geared to help low income families learn how to prepare healthy meals on a budget.

We here at Idaho Community Gardens are working hard to make sure that Idahoans have access to the tools to connect with community gardens in the Gem State. For more information about how you can start a garden, purchase seeds with food stamps, volunteer, or connect with local community gardens in the Gem State please contact Ruby at 208-577-2683

Happy New Year Everyone!

Let’s welcome 2012 with a start of a new creative additive to our blog. Here at Idaho Community Gardens, we believe in supporting new and existing gardens through volunteers, education, promotional events, and community partnerships. One way to promote community gardens in the Gem State is the implementation of Community Illumination, a new segment that will be added to our blog. Community Illumination will be a spotlight on a different community garden each month. So you, yes you, and your lovely community garden will get the spotlight it deserves! We want to show off all of the garden families out there and bring awareness to the great things you are doing. If you would like to spotlight your community garden, we are now setting appointments for the upcoming growing season. Let’s grow our community together!

For more information please contact Ruby at 208-577-2683

Do you want to learn how to get more from your garden bed?

Trinity Community Gardens will be holding a class that can teach you how!

When: March 24, 2012
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church
8 S. Midland Blvd
Nampa, Id 83651
Time: 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
Cost: $10 per family

The Class will cover the following:
Composting, soil, garden preparation, seed selection, germination,plant maturity,row cover,trellising, and so much more!

For more information: Please contact Dale or Sheila Anderson at 208-442-0535

Burpee Home Gardens is now accepting applications for their 2012 “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Award. 

According to their website, the Youth Garden Award is set up to help start up school and community gardens. Gardens must demonstrate well-developed and staffed plans for a youth-centered educational program, with an emphasis on nutrition and food production, environmental awareness, social responsibility and scholastic integration.

This is an awesome opportunity for new gardeners!

Two Grand Prize winners will receive up to 500 vegetable and herb plants, $2,500 in gardens supplies, onsite assistance, and more!

All entries must be postmarked by Friday, Dec. 23, 2011.

Please see website for more information.