East Central FFA builds garden beds for those with mobility issues, disabilities

(ST. LEON, Ind.) – East Central’s FFA program has put their focus on improving accessibility to gardening for people with disabilities. 

Last year, East Central was the only FFA chapter in Indiana to earn a $3,000 National FFA Living to Serve Grant.

The grant encourages chapters to support year-long service projects that address needs in the community. 

East Central used the funds to build 15 raised garden beds for those with mobility issues or other disabilities.

The garden beds were distributed to SEI Community Gardens, the Civic Garden in Cincinnati and Gorman Heritage Farm in Evendale, Ohio. 

“Five beds were provided to local citizens that expressed the need to have one to be able to further their garden activities at home,” organizers said. 

FFA members Wyatt Smith, Evan Kramer, Seth Strobl, Riley Shumate, Jake Lutz and Austin Makrancy were the primary members involved with this project. 

“For the aging and disabled people in our community, these accessible raised garden beds allow them to easily continue on with a long lasting hobby or to venture into a new one. In making these raised beds, East Central FFA members are able to learn new skills and feel accomplished in that they are doing something for the community,” said East Central FFA Chapter President Isabelle Leurck. 

East Central FFA plans to continue this project and will be building additional beds this school year.

If you know someone that could benefit from a raised garden bed, please contact East Central FFA Advisor Roy Johnson at rjohnson@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us 

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