DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – Students in Dubuque are growing a sustainable garden to feed the community while helping pay for hands-on learning opportunities.
“I’ve seen the homeless community. I’ve seen some people struggle to get food, and I would never want to put someone in that situation,” says Kyle Gilbert. “I thought it’d be a good idea to ask for this grant so we could help the kids learn how to plant so they can do their own garden, maybe at home or something.”
Gilbert, Angel Hardia, Kameron Redmond, Lilliana Smith, and Lamaris Whitehead at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque were awarded a $5,000 microgrant through Dubuque’s participation in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund.
The students are growing a sustainable garden, featuring broccoli, carrots, strawberries, and more.
“It’s honestly the most special part of this job is just seeing that no matter where these kids come from, no matter what’s going on in their household, they can really come together here and experience some joy,” says Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque Director of Social and Educational Programs Katlynne Wolf.
Wolf says the club will use the produce to host a farmers market in July.
“It’s like kinda fun to help other people out. That’s what I’ve been doing ever since I was young,” says Redmond. “It was, like, something to do to help the little kids and get people fresh food and stuff, in need.”
Proceeds will pay for replanting the garden next spring and more hands-on learning opportunities for students.
“It’s more like you wanting to make somebody else happy, not just yourself,” says Gilbert. “I wouldn’t do this just to make myself feel better. I want to do it to help other people.”
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