Texas FSA Dedicates 12,000 Square Foot People’s Garden to Community

Community members and USDA officials gathered at the Robertson County Care Inc. food bank in Franklin, TX, last week to dedicate the Franklin People’s Garden to the people of Robertson County.  

“The People’s Garden in Franklin is a living example of what USDA and FSA do every day. It is an example of the dedication and commitment by FSA employees to work in collaboration with their local communities,” said Juan M. Garcia, state executive director for the Texas Farm Service Agency.

From its humble beginnings as a small community garden in the spring of 2009 to today’s 12,000 square foot source of fresh fruits and vegetables for Robertson County families, the Franklin People’s Garden represents the combined efforts of many dedicated partners. Those partners include FSA and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Robertson County Care Inc. food bank, Franklin Independent School District, Franklin Chamber of Commerce, South New Hope Youth Group, J&S Tire, the Maris family, who provided the land for the garden, as well as many members of the Franklin community.

“It’s a complete team effort. In Franklin as a whole, we all come together…all of the local churches are involved,” said Ferman Richards, director of the Robertson County Care food bank. Richards said the food bank currently serves about 200 local families and the garden is a great addition to the assistance they are able to provide. “The garden is the icing on the cake,” he said.

The Franklin People’s Garden joins 400 other People’s Gardens across the country that are designed to educate and support communities. Earlier this month, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that People’s Gardens now exist in all 50 states, two U.S. territories and three foreign countries.

In spite of setbacks caused by hail, dry weather and torrential downpours, Robertson County residents began harvesting tomatoes, corn, okra, squash and cucumbers about  three weeks ago.

“This garden shows how USDA’s national commitment to improving rural communities has taken root right here at home,” Garcia said.