PERRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, ARKANSAS
The Perry County Conservation District (CD) is located in rural central Arkansas in the Ouachita Mountains, roughly 55 miles northwest of Little Rock. Many of the county’s residents must travel over 25 miles to reach the closest supermarket; and the local food bank in Perryville is often only able to stay open two hours a day because they run out of food so quickly.
To help make sure healthy fresh food is available to all citizens in the county, the Perry County CD launched “The Garden” in October 2016, along with its Perry County Youth Garden Club. The community space covers three city blocks behind the district office in Perryville. There, residents can raise fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs as well as plants, trees, and flowers to sell at mobile stands across the district. The profits will be shared with two elementary schools in support of their Take Home Backpack food program.
In addition to support from Perryville Mayor John Roland, the Perry County CD has connected with the county sheriff, churches in the county, and other concerned citizens. Together they are working to ensure the initiative serves county citizens in the best possible way.
To learn more about Perry County CD’s Urban Agriculture Conservation Initiative project, visit NACD’s Urban and Community webpage.