Farming is a long-held tradition in northeastern North Carolina, and for decades family owned farms have played a pivotal role in driving the region's economy.

An afternoon ride through the country is proof of this lasting legacy, as area roads and highways are

paralleled by acres upon acres of soybeans, corn,

potatoes and other produce. There's a sense of

security in seeing a weathered farmer tending his fields and bouncing along in the worn seat of his tractor.

Some of us may even say to ourselves, "I wish I had a little bit of space to grow my own fruits and vegetables. But my backyard's just not big enough."

That may not be a problem much longer, as one local group has partnered with Food Bank of the Albemarle to create a community garden.

No pun intended, but we hope the community garden is one idea that grows into something big.

Called "Project Grow," the partnership's goal is to help feed the area's needy by

providing residents with space to grow produce. The Food Bank will benefit because it will receive

as donations the produce that residents don't keep for themselves.

This is a terrific idea and we encourage

residents who have ever been interested in

gardening but don't have adequate space at home to get involved. Those who just want to volunteer their time and give back to the community also can and should participate.

The group already has begun a community garden in a lot next to the Salvation Army at Fourth and Ward streets in Elizabeth City. And at the Food Bank off Tidewater Way, a

demonstration garden has begun.

Robin Kelly-Goss, who founded the community garden initiative, said the demo garden will be used to teach residents ways to grow fruits and vegetables.

Everything at the garden is being grown in top soil in 5-gallon buckets to show how residents do not need several acres of land.

There also will be lessons on composting, food dehydration and canning, as the goal is to teach residents how to prepare everything they grow, Kelly-Goss said.

Liz Reasoner, director of the Food Bank, said zucchini, peppers, melons and tomatoes, as well as different types of herbs, would be grown at the community garden.

Reasoner is excited about Project Grow for many of the reasons we are.

"It will educate and engage the community at all levels. It's an opportunity to alleviate the

issue of surrounding hunger," she said. "The community garden is a great tool, and a focal point for people to come together."

We believe Project Grow is an initiative that the community should embrace. Already, J.C. Sawyer Elementary School has agreed to host the first school community garden. With schools getting involved, the potential is even greater, as the gardens would be excellent learning

opportunities for students.

At its core, this initiative reflects the region's agricultural heritage, providing area residents the opportunity to provide food for themselves, as well as the needy.

And in a larger sense, Project Grow is

another way to heighten community spirit — a project to cultivate goodwill, education and nutrition.