LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A non-profit health organization is working to combat food insecurity in Levelland.
Founded in 1986, South Plains Rural Health Services serves rural areas near the Texas-New Mexico border.
The organization provides medical, dental and mental health services to primarily economically disadvantaged individuals.
“Being able to be a hub and be a primary care facility offering a variety of services in one location is really important to us,” Megan Bratton said.
Now, the company plans to soon add a new service: community gardens.
In 2011, SPRHS established a food bank in Levelland with help from South Plains Food Bank in Lubbock.
While generous donations have helped keep people fed, Bratton believes more can be done for the community.
“We need to take care of people not only medically, dental, behavioral health, but also nutritionally, and one of the things we don’t see a lot of is produce,” Bratton said.
Bratton said providing access to fresh, locally grown food can help people stay healthier and reduce the number of trips to the doctor’s office.
She sees health benefits for volunteering as well.
“Not only is this a way to give back to the community, but we really feel like it helps the mental health of the people who come to volunteer because it’s so physically invigorating,” Bratton said.
Bratton hopes the site will become a place where residents of all ages and backgrounds can come together and foster a sense of pride and unity.
“It’s a great thing for the community to know that what they donate is actually going to their community and neighbors who need it,” Bratton said.
The organisation will also be hosting workshops and classes where people can learn how to garden or improve their own homes.
The first plantings are scheduled to take place in the spring.
South Plains Rural Health Services is located at 1000 FM 300 in Levelland.
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