The sustainable self-sufficiency development for veterans & community project will provide an opportunity for public participation in community driven projects that build consensus through community…

The sustainable self-sufficiency development for veterans & community project will provide an opportunity for public participation in community driven projects that build consensus through community engagement. An estimated 120 veterans plus 200 other residents from a vulnerable population will be provided with the opportunity to attend monthly garden days to develop new skills to start/maintain backyard gardens, including chicken coops, rain barrels, compost bins; composting is related to reduction of greenhouse gases (methane) in landfills. Community gardens with raised wicking beds will 1) accommodate disabilities (some wheelchair accessible garden beds), 2) allow the impacted population to raise some of their own food using new sustainable organic growing methods, and 3) demonstrate how local fresh food reduces impact on the planet through a reduced carbon footprint related to the transportation of pre-packaged foods.