Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience: Community Overview of South Rock Hill South Rock Hill is a diverse and historically underserved community within the City of Rock Hill, South Carolina. It is home to a population that reflects a significant portion of minority residents, many of whom are African American and Hispanic. The area faces considerable socioeconomic challenges, including high poverty rates, low access to quality healthcare, and limited economic opportunities. These factors contribute to a higher-than-average unemployment rate and lower household incomes, placing many residents at an economic disadvantage. Socioeconomic Challenges A large segment of South Rock Hill's population struggles with economic instability, with many families living below the poverty line and facing barriers to steady employment. This financial hardship impacts residents' ability to access basic needs, including nutritious food and healthcare services, which in turn exacerbates health and social issues within the community. Public resources, such as affordable transportation and job training programs, are often limited, which further hinders economic growth and mobility for residents. Environmental Risks South Rock Hill is vulnerable to several environmental risks, such as extreme weather events, urban heat islands, and limited green space. The scarcity of shaded areas and tree canopies intensifies the effects of heat, impacting public health--especially for older adults, children, and those with chronic health conditions. Additionally, poor infrastructure and limited environmental amenities reduce access to recreational outdoor spaces, which affects both physical and mental well-being. Community Needs The community's challenges are further underscored by a lack of access to healthy and affordable food options. South Rock Hill is classified as a "food desert," meaning that grocery stores and other sources of fresh produce are either sparse or located far from residential areas, making it difficult for residents to regularly obtain nutritious foods. Convenience stores and fast-food outlets are more accessible, contributing to dietary patterns that are often high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients. This imbalance has contributed to elevated rates of diabetes and obesity within the community, with long-term impacts on both individual health and the local healthcare system. Additionally, residents express a desire for education on nutrition, health, and food production that would empower them to make healthier choices for themselves and their families. Economic challenges also highlight the need for workforce training and educational programs that can help bridge employment gaps and improve financial stability.? Changes/Problems: Lessons Learned and Future Recommendations Lessons Learned The development of the South Rock Hill Urban Agriculture Corridor has illuminated valuable lessons about fostering food access and community resilience in urban settings. Key insights include: Engagement of a Transient Community: One of the most significant challenges encountered was engaging a population with high residential turnover. Many South Rock Hill residents are renters, resulting in frequent community shifts. This dynamic has impacted continuity in program participation, as new residents may not be aware of the initiative or feel an immediate connection to it. To address this, consistent outreach efforts are essential to keep all residents informed and involved, regardless of their duration in the community. Inclusivity for Older Residents: A considerable portion of the community consists of senior citizens who may face physical limitations that make active participation in gardening difficult. Recognizing this, we have started to explore alternative forms of involvement, such as educational workshops, volunteer roles with low physical demands, and home gardening kits tailored for seniors. While it is essential to engage all age groups, seniors remain a valuable asset for knowledge-sharing and community cohesion. Community Buy-in: Gaining buy-in from the community required continuous, open dialogue rather than a simple "build it and they will come" approach. Establishing a model based on community-driven input and flexible program design has proven critical to fostering an inclusive and trusted space. The importance of co-creating with residents, rather than imposing a top-down solution, cannot be overstated.? What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The South Rock Hill Urban Agriculture Corridor has achieved measurable impacts across food production, community engagement, and economic development, positively influencing local residents' quality of life, health, and economic resilience. Food Production Since the program's inception, the urban gardens have yielded significant quantities of fresh produce distributed to local residents and institutions. To date, over 3,500 pounds of fruits, vegetables, and herbs have been harvested, supporting approximately 1,000 community members with access to nutritious, locally grown food. This production has helped reduce dependency on less nutritious, processed food options and contributed to healthier dietary practices among South Rock Hill residents. Community Engagement Through intentional outreach, the program has engaged and empowered the South Rock Hill community, with over 500 residents participating in various activities, including planning charrettes, community gardening workshops, and cooking classes. These activities fostered a sense of ownership, where community members not only contributed ideas but also participated actively in the program's development and upkeep. The Urban Agriculture Corridor's success reflects a sustainable model for food production, community cohesion, and economic development, paving the way for long-term transformation in South Rock Hill. Through these efforts, residents have gained healthier food options, educational opportunities, and increased economic activity, building a resilient community and setting a strong foundation for future growth.? What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Project Goals and Objectives Victory Gardens International's Urban Agriculture Corridor in South Rock Hill aims to increase food security, foster community ownership, and create sustainable food systems within low-income neighborhoods. Grounded in successful urban agriculture models like AgLanta and Crop Swap LA, this initiative seeks to establish a strong foundation for long-term impact through well-defined goals and objectives. Goal 1: Establish a Supportive Policy Framework for Community Gardens Objective 1.1: Work with the City of Rock Hill to review and, if necessary, amend local ordinances that currently impact community gardens within city limits. This involves assessing zoning, water access, land use, and licensing to ensure supportive regulations for urban agriculture. Objective 1.2: Advocate for clear, accessible guidelines around community gardening, including designated spaces and best practices for maintenance, helping both residents and local organizations understand how to start and sustain community gardens legally and effectively. Goal 2: Foster Community Engagement and Ownership in Urban Agriculture Objective 2.1: Move away from a "build it and they will come" model by involving residents in the planning, development, and maintenance stages of community gardens and urban farms. This will include hosting town hall meetings, conducting surveys, and forming advisory boards made up of community members to ensure their voices are prioritized. Objective 2.2: Build partnerships with community leaders, local schools, churches, and neighborhood associations to generate widespread support and participation, ensuring a more inclusive and responsive approach to urban agriculture. Objective 2.3: Create a "Gardener Training Program" to empower residents with the knowledge and skills needed to start and maintain gardens, focusing on low-cost, sustainable practices that enhance long-term food security and self-reliance. Goal 3: Develop Individual and Collective Urban Agriculture Sites Objective 3.1: Identify and establish community garden sites in strategic locations throughout South Rock Hill, with the involvement of partners like the Emmett Scott Recreation Center and Clinton College, to create accessible spaces for food production, education, and community interaction. Objective 3.2: Encourage residents to turn their front or back yards into productive gardens, inspired by Crop Swap LA's model. Support this through incentives such as gardening supplies, technical guidance, and regular workshops to increase individual and family-level food production. Goal 4: Educate and Empower Community Members on Sustainable Food Systems Objective 4.1: Collaborate with Clemson Extension, the Rock Hill School District, and local institutions to provide regular gardening and cooking classes, focusing on sustainable growing practices, nutrition, and cost-effective meal preparation. These classes will be held at accessible locations, such as Emmett Scott and Clinton College, to reach a broad audience. Objective 4.2: Launch a Community Food Share Program, where participating gardeners and community members can share surplus produce with neighbors, creating a localized food distribution network that enhances access to fresh produce and strengthens community bonds. Goal 5: Measure and Evaluate Project Impact Objective 5.1: Set up measurable targets for food production, participation rates, and community engagement, with baseline data collected at the outset and regular progress reports issued to stakeholders. Objective 5.2: Conduct annual evaluations to assess progress, challenges, and outcomes. Adjust project components based on feedback to continually align with community needs and enhance the sustainability of the Urban Agriculture Corridor. By focusing on policy alignment, community engagement, personal and community gardens, education, and measurable impact, the Urban Agriculture Corridor aims to create a vibrant network of food resources that not only alleviates food insecurity but also cultivates a sense of ownership, pride, and resilience among South Rock Hill residents.

Publications