St. Vincent de Paul | Louisville

From the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Office of the Governor

LOUISVILLE, KY (April 19, 2011)--Today First Lady Jane Beshear worked with representatives and clients from St. Vincent de Paul's Open Hand Kitchen in Louisville and Kentucky FFA state officers to plant vegetables at the Governor's Garden located on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center. This is the second year a garden has been planted at the Exposition Center and the third year of the Governor's Garden statewide program.

"I hope that the Governor's Garden will help Kentuckians recognize the health benefits of locally grown produce and inspire many families and organizations to plant their own backyard gardens," said Mrs. Beshear. "A garden doesn't always require a large amount of space or a great deal of resources. A garden can be planted just about anywhere, and anyone can benefit from growing their own fruits and vegetables."

Mrs. Beshear created the first-ever Governor's Garden in July 2009 on the grounds of Berry Hill Mansion in Frankfort. Five gardens throughout the state will be planted in 2011. In Frankfort, gardens will be planted at Berry Hill Mansion and on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion. The remaining gardens will be planted at the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington and on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

The Governor's Garden initiative teaches families and communities across the Commonwealth how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in their own backyards, providing access to fresh, local produce, reducing grocery costs and promoting healthier eating habits. The Governor's Garden is a part of the Beshear administration's Green Team initiative, which strives to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental preservation.

Produce harvested from the garden will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul's Open Hand Kitchen. St. Vincent de Paul is a nonprofit charitable organization that has been serving the poor in Louisville, Central Kentucky and Southern Indiana for 158 years. Its homeless shelter, supportive housing programs and case management services are designed to help people who have fallen on hard times get back on their feet and lead independent lives. The Open Hand Kitchen serves two free meals a day, 365 days a year, to anyone in need.

Inspired in part by the First Lady's advocacy of community gardening, clients and case managers at St. Vincent de Paul last week planted their first spring garden in many  years. The modest, no-till garden is located in the Smoketown/Shelby Park community of downtown Louisville. Men, women and children in St. Vincent de Paul's homeless shelter and supportive housing programs will be maintaining the garden all season.

For more information about the Governor's Garden and the Green Team, click here.

To learn more about St. Vincent de Paul, or for information on how you canmake a donation, please call Nancy Naughton or donate online.