Free garden containers aimed at providing access to fresh food in Sharpsburg

Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization wants residents to “bloom where they are planted.”

Despite the borough being labeled as a food desert, officials believe healthy eating habits can form at home.

Organizers will distribute free garden containers to the 40 people – first come, first served — in Sharpsburg, Etna and Millvale to encourage sustainability. The starter kit includes a bucket, soil, seeds, seedlings and instructions to help people become urban gardeners. The project is a partnership with the Triboro Ecodistrict.

“Everyone should have access to healthy food,” said Jodi Klebick, executive director of the Neighborhood Organization.

“This is one way to take ownership of that. No matter where you live, you can set the container on your porch, on your stoop or in the back yard.”

The nonprofit at 511 S. Main St. coordinates projects that enhance economic vitality in the borough. Initiatives include free home energy audits, paid career training and enrollment in the Triboro civic leadership academy. The group also hosts community cleanups.

Anyone interested in a container can register on the group’s website, sharpsburgneighborhood.org.

Klebick said seeds and plants will include produce that is typically easy to grow. Items might include tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, herbs and lettuce.

Produce can stretch a long way to help fight food insecurity, according to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

The group distributes more than 8 million pounds of veggies and fruit to help fight hunger across Allegheny County, where there is an 11.4% food insecurity rate.

“Being able to grow your own food and see where it comes from is empowering,” Klebick said. “Being able to pick a fresh tomato is pretty great.”

Mayor Kayla Portis is excited about the program and believes it will be beneficial for all ages, from children to senior citizens.

“Growing your own produce is healthier, cost-effective and a great way to save money amidst rising produce prices,” Portis said.

Five-gallon, food-grade buckets for the program were donated by Home Depot in East Liberty. Seeds were donated by Bartsch Gardens in Shaler. Red Hawk Coffee, located in the borough, is giving grounds to mix with the soil for better fertilization.

Klebick and volunteers are busy prepping the containers now, drilling holes in the bottom and packaging items.

They will be distributed in conjunction with the Etna Earth Day Challenge on April 26, which will be followed from noon to 2 p.m. by the Spring into Sharpsburg garden-themed event.

“The bucket gardening program is great for residents with limited yard space because households can grow fresh, healthy vegetables and herbs anywhere that there is a little bit of space,” borough Manager Christine DeRunk said.

“We are thrilled that SNO is offering this program.”