Jemison speaks with BDN about Orono Community Garden

John Jemison, a soil and water quality specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, was interviewed by the Bangor Daily News for the article, “How community gardens are helping lower income Mainers.” This year, the Orono Community Garden, which Jemison helped found, will mark its 14th season growing organic vegetables that are shared with local seniors on fixed incomes, according to the article. Jemison and others around the state are committed to growing community gardens that provide fresh vegetables for everyone, not just those who can afford to pay top dollar for high-quality produce, the article states. Jemison and the garden volunteers deliver vegetables and recipes to about 60 low-income seniors from late June through September. Jemison said the recipients feel fairly food secure and don’t worry about where their next meal will come from. They don’t rely on the bags of vegetables that are delivered to their homes, but they appreciate it, he said. “They enjoy our coming by,” he said. “They’re happy to see us.”