The United Way of Onslow County, in collaboration with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Lowe’s Home Improvement and volunteers, completed building a new community garden on Thursday that they hope will be a resource for local families.
The United Way began a small garden in 2024, led by Eagle Scout Max Hackett, with six garden beds. But recently, Raquel Painter, United Way of Onslow County president, said the OCSO reached out to her about expanding the garden for the community.
Lowe’s hopped on board and donated all of the materials needed to build the 16 raised garden beds and greenhouse behind the United Way, at 118 Chaney Ave. in Jacksonville.
Volunteers with the United Way, OCSO, Jacksonville Rotary Club, Military Lancers and others came together Wednesday and Thursday to construct and install the garden beds and greenhouse.
“It is about bringing the community together in a time of need,” Painter said. “Obviously, food prices have gone up, people are not able to afford fresh vegetables or fresh fruit, and we’ve got too many families eating processed food just because it’s cheap. So, we want to provide another option for families.”
Volunteers planted broccoli, cauliflower, squash and zucchini, and the United Way will switch out which vegetables they grow each season.
Not only will area residents be able to get fresh produce for free, but the community garden will also be an educational space, teaching youth and families how to grow their own food while fostering environmental stewardship and community pride throughout Onslow County, Painter said.
Once the first round of vegetables is grown, Painter said they’ll hold a pickup event, likely on a Saturday. For now, the plan is to distribute the vegetables from the United Way, but Painter said they eventually hope to have multiple pickup spots.
“We do a lot of work, but this one here really hit everybody who was there putting it together, and I think it’s because of the government shutdown,” Painter said. “We know people are really worried about food, so it really hit watching the community come together and put that together for everyone.”
Painter emphasized that dedicated volunteers will be needed to keep the community garden going, preferably those with green thumbs. She said they already have plans to bring in some extension master gardeners.
Anyone interested in participating can reach out to the United Way at 910-347-2646.
“This project is more than just a garden,” Painter said. “It represents unity, growth and education.
“Together, we’re creating a place where neighbors can connect, children can learn, and everyone can enjoy the benefits of healthy, homegrown food.”
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