Kendall Hilbun shows off produce she just picked from the garden.
Megan Lewis | Sidney Daily News
By Megan Lewis
For the Sidney Daily News
JACKSON CENTER — Kendall Hilbun — a senior at Jackson Center High School and a member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America since the seventh grade — has started a community garden.
In July, Hilbun realized that there was no source of fresh produce locally grown. So, she began to think of a solution to this problem. To start the garden, she reached out to Botkins Progreen for the plants, Mann Farms in Jackson Center for the soil and the Future Farmers of America for wood to build the plant box.
The produce grown in the garden is available for picking by any Shelby County residents as well as in a basket at Jackson Center Pharmacy and Wellness Center during business hours. It will also be sent to food pantries and put into food backpacks at the school that students can sign up for. The vegetables grown there are cherry and regular-sized tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers.
She is currently in talks with the Village Council to expand the garden to include more plants and fruit trees and put it in a more accessible place for residents. It is currently between the school and the greenhouse in the back of the building. She plans on adding up to four apple trees at $45 each. To donate garden-grown produce, supplies or funding, Hilbun can be reached at 937-726-6358.
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