Proctor Journal

Michelle Obama planted one at the White House. A number of cities throughout Minnesota are in the process of breaking ground. Come spring, Proctor will also join a growing number of communities to launch an old initiative.

Last week the city council approved a proposal for a youth community garden. The garden will be on the corner of Pionk Drive and First Street, across from the Community Center. It will be about a 400 square-foot plot in a spot visible to passersby.

The city will spend about $500 for seeds, tools, compost and fencing.

While there are numerous flower gardens in Proctor, this will be the first vegetable garden.

Nicole Bloom of Mentor Duluth and Five Points discussed the project with city councilors. She said students from Bay View Elementary and Jedlicka Junior High could create the garden.

The garden is expected to be part of Proctor’s Community Center. The project will provide educational opportunities in nutrition, sustainability and conservation as well as physical and social benefits for the youth of the city.

“Other than making the veggies available to the participating youth, plans for the crops are still in the works,” says Bloom. “Perhaps we could use some in a cooking class. The first priority is getting the project off to a good start. It will depend a lot on the level of participation.”

Growing more food locally could lead to healthier eating and lessen reliance on huge industrial farms that use more oil for transportation and chemicals for fertilizer. Gardens also help promote healthful eating.