AgFirst and Richland Library partner to create Growth to Consumption initiative

In many Richland County neighborhoods, a trip to the grocery store isn’t a short errand, it’s a challenge. Nearly half of county residents lack easy access to a large grocery store, a reality that contributes to persistent health and nutrition disparities. But at Richland Library’s St. Andrews branch, a different kind of solution is taking root, one that begins in the soil and ends at the dinner table. 

Through a new partnership supported by a $5,000 donation from AgFirst, the library launched the Growth to Consumption initiative, a hands-on program that teaches children and families how food moves from seed to harvest to meal while making healthy choices more accessible. 

The initiative builds on nearly a decade of gardening and nutrition programming at the St. Andrews branch, which serves communities located in or near food deserts. With support from AgFirst, the library is enhancing its existing garden infrastructure with updated raised beds, a hydroponic system and a mini-greenhouse. These additions are transforming the garden into a living classroom where participants learn not only how food is grown, but why healthy eating matters. 

On April 14, the library hosted a garden planting party where community and staff members worked together to spread soil and plant in the garden, transforming the space into a thriving community resource.  

“For nearly a decade, Richland Library’s St. Andrews has cultivated a deep appreciation for gardening, healthy eating and nature,” said Rod Franco, Assistant Branch Manager at Richland Library St. Andrews. “The Growth to Consumption initiative builds on that foundation, and the new soil, equipment and irrigation system have created a powerful sense of community pride. This work would not have been possible without AgFirst’s generous support, and we are deeply grateful for this partnership.” 

The Growth to Consumption initiative will reach children in kindergarten through eighth grade, along with their families and adults in the community. Twenty interactive programs will guide participants through every stage of the growing process, from understanding soil types and planting seeds to harvesting, composting and even exploring hydroponic growing methods. The goal is simple but powerful: to connect participants more closely to their food and empower them to make nutritious choices. 

The program’s impact extends well beyond the St. Andrews garden. As part of the initiative, Richland Library is enhancing its seed libraries across 10 branch locations. Each year, more than 5,000 residents use this resource to pick up free seeds for home gardens, helping families grow fresh produce where they live and strengthening food access across the county. 

Through the Growth to Consumption initiative, AgFirst and Richland Library are cultivating knowledge, community well-being and healthier futures across Richland County, one seed and lesson at a time.