Nurturing Nutritional Needs in Our Neighborhood

We operate a food pantry, vegetable gardens, & are in the process of opening a farmers market adjacent to the proposed fish pond.  This fish pond will enhance our capacity to provide a sustainable source of nutritious food to area residents.  In the 4 years that we've operated our food pantry, we've seen positive behavioral increases among residents as a result of our food pantry offerings, which include fresh vegetables from our garden.  It is our contention that good nutritious food enhances a person's quality of life.  The fish pond project is another aspect in creating sustainable food sources to help eradicate Orange Mound's food desert status & potentially curing food insecurity in the community.

1. Complete excavation of fish pond location.

2. Shoring up floor & walls with 3/4 inch plywood.

3. Install pond liner.

4. Install filtration system.

5. Add water & test system.

The challenge in our neighborhood is in dealing with childhood malnutrition that effects many of the children in the Orange Mound community, which is a food desert.  When impoverished children's basic nutritional needs are met, it has been proven that it brings about higher mental achievement, which translates into higher educational achievement, fewer dropouts, & greater lifetime earnings for these future adults and therefore can produce more productive citizens.