South toms river community garden will provide produce in local food desert

SOUTH TOMS RIVER, NJ — In a bid to foster a healthier community, volunteers from Community Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health, in collaboration with the Sadie Vickers Community Resource Center, have launched a new community garden project in South Toms River.

This initiative began in April 2024 and aims to improve access to nutritious foods in areas underserved by supermarkets.

The garden features 100 “earth boxes,” which volunteers will use to grow a variety of produce expected to yield thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. The harvested produce will be distributed through local farmer’s markets, food pantry programs, and partner organizations, ensuring it reaches those most in need.

This project draws inspiration from the successful Beth Greenhouse and Farmer’s Market at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, another RWJBarnabas Health initiative. Like its predecessor, the South Toms River garden will not only provide fresh produce but also offer nutrition and wellness education to the community throughout the year.

RWJBarnabas Health is dedicated to partnering with the community to create sustainable health improvements. “We are excited to plant the seeds of this partnership and watch it grow,” said a spokesperson for RWJBarnabas Health, emphasizing their commitment to building a healthier New Jersey.

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