Free food and healthy, too: Small town grows its own veggies
October 18, 2021
Durand, MI — Need a tomato for a sandwich? In one small Michigan community, it’s as easy as picking one from a plant growing downtown. Durand is in Shiawassee County, southwest of Flint. It offers an “edible landscape,” a variety of free fruits and vegetables. The city council recently gave the gardens a vote of confidence by agreeing to spend up to $500 a year. Program leader Michael Nazarian estimates the edible landscape will produce more than 300 pounds of fruits and vegetables this year. Nazarian approached Durand officials last spring. He pitched it as a way to invigorate downtown and promote healthy lifestyles.