<p>Community Garden Outreach - TUC Garden</p> <p>In 2010, The University Church (TUC) relocated to 8 acres in a community with insufficient food access here in Toledo, Ohio. Community Garden Initiative's top priority is to utilize this land to fight poverty. Our purpose is threefold: #1 Growing Food. In these difficult economic times, many people are finding it hard to provide food for their families. Often, fresh fruits and vegetables are simply excluded because of cost and so nutrition problems can develop, especially among children. We grow organic fruits and vegetables and make these available through a variety of distribution methods to assist those in need. #2 Growing Awareness. It is estimated by the Census Bureau that a quarter of people in Toledo live at or below the federally-defined poverty level and yet many people are simply unaware of the plight of their neighbors. By becoming a public presence working to combat hunger and poverty, we help make people aware of the very troubling situation in our neighborhood. #3 Growing Compassion. Once an individual becomes involved in helping others, it is our experience that compassion grows and people are changed. We hope to grow compassion within our community. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.</p> <p>Member Duties : In a time when people and organizations alike are more and more isolated, be part of the effort to connect like-minded organizations in mutually beneficial service partnerships. You will mobilize a team of dedicated volunteers to work in our garden, increase the number of school children receiving hands-on gardening education, and raise public awareness of hunger and poverty in our community. Ultimately, the result of your service term will be greater access to fresh produce for our neighbors and an increase in the number of participants who are engaged in the process of cultivating, harvesting and sharing that food. Join our team today! Benefits include a monthly $200 housing stipend to supplement living costs.</p> <p>Program Benefits : Training , $200 housing stipend , Living Allowance , Relocation Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Health Coverage* , Childcare assistance if eligible .</p> <p>Terms :</p> <p>Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended .</p> <p>Service Areas :</p> <p>Hunger , Children/Youth , Community Outreach , Education , Health , Technology , Entrepreneur/Business .</p> <p>Skills :</p> <p>Recruitment , Writing/Editing , Business/Entrepreneur , Communications , Leadership , Fund raising/Grant Writing , General Skills , Education , Computers/Technology .</p>