Lake County, IL is the wealthiest county in Illinois and in the top 40 of the wealthiest in the USA. However, between 6.3% to 7.1% of Lake County residents live at or below the poverty line, which translates to a little over 50,000 people. Those living in extreme poverty comprise 2.6% or over 18,000 persons. The present economic downturn will surely increase those who are in need.
Ten Thousand Gardens seeks to provide a healthier food alternative for families and persons in need. There are already many food networks in place, such as the Northern Illinois Food Bank and about fifty emergency food pantries and partner sites which rely on the food bank and donations from churches, faith communities, community groups, schools, and corporations.
However, a large portion of the donated food is processed food which is often high in carbohydrates, fats, salts, and sugars. A primary diet of such foods can create a variety of health issues for families and their children. There must be a healthier alternative. We believe there is!
It is recognized that a diet involving whole foods – particularly fresh fruit and vegetables are essential for a healthy life. However, whole foods are consistently more expensive than processed foods, putting such healthy alternatives out of the reach for those in need.
The challenge is how fruit and vegetables can be gleaned and gathered in larger quantities to provide the foundation for a healthier diet for persons and families in need in Lake County.
What we propose is a grass-roots project known as Ten Thousand Gardens (the first phase of a project to radically alleviate hunger in Lake County). Ten Thousand Gardens seeks to provide a healthier food option by providing produce for families and persons in need within Lake County.
You can make a difference! We invite you to participate!
Donate the surplus produce from your home garden to feed families in need in Lake County.
